TWO teenagers from Durban North have gone the extra mile by donating the profits they made from a school event to charity.

Saskia Pillay and Thandolwethu Myeza, both learners at Our Lady of Fatima, achieved top marks in their Geography Fair Trade project.

“We had to come up with a business plan using all eco-friendly items. We used products that were friendly to our environment right from our posters to the products we sold. The theme was sustainability,” said Saskia.

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The Grade Nine learners sold bracelets made from recyclable materials such as wire and glass beads. They also sold trinket plates which were bought from a retailer who manufactures their products using processes which are not harmful to the environment.
“We also sold food items. Our business was so successful. We sold out on everything,” said Thandolwethu.

“The rings were easy to make, but the bracelets were problematic. We also made anklets,” she added.

After the percentage given to the school, the girls made a profit of R670 which they decided to help grow by going around with a donation jar, asking their friends to sponsor some cash.

The donation was not for them, however, as Saskia and Thandolwethu decided to donate the money to the Little Beans Kitten Rescue in Durban North.

After much pleading with their friends to save the kittens, their collection rose to R870.

“We went around the school, explaining to other learners that we wanted to help save the kittens in need,” said Saskia.

When Saskia contacted Little Beans and told the founder, Caroline Gascoigne, what their intentions were, she was in tears.

“Caroline told me the donation will be used towards the vet bill. I wondered how much the entire vet bill was and she informed me that it was R2 230,” said Saskia.

She then got to work, called her grandparents and asked them if they could sponsor the balance of the money to pay Little Beans’ vet bill. They gladly obliged.

“Caroline was so happy when I told her that Thandolwethu and I will be donating all the proceeds to Little Beans,” said Saskia.

Both girls say they feel uplifted after helping the organisation.

“I have a new viewpoint on animals. After coming to Saskia’s house, I became fond of her family’s dogs and cat. Prior to that, I was scared of animals because of a bad experience. It feels so good to have helped Little Beans,” said Thandolwethu.

Saskia and her family have just adopted a kitten named Diesel who was stuck in the diesel engine of a car during the floods.
“There are so many other kittens who need help. We tend to focus more on the humanitarian side after a crisis, but animals need help, too,” she said.

“Most people think their small actions are insignificant to effect change, but this experience has taught Thando and me that a small kindness can create a ripple effect,” added Saskia.

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Gascoigne said when Saskia called, she was about to post on Facebook that the organisation was closed to accepting new kittens until their vet bill was settled.

“What these teenagers have done is mature and selfless. I was really touched by their donation. After that, I was able to take in four kittens and sterilise two cats,” she said.

Megan Ward, from Our Lady of Fatima said the girls understood the brief perfectly.

“Thank you, girls, for the amazing effort and for your contribution of R1 640 towards the Enviro-club,” said Ward.