Kindergarten raises money for Orana Park

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Media release, Monday November 13, 2006

Kidsfirst Kindergartens Templeton raises money for Orana Wildlife Park

The children of Kidsfirst Kindergartens Templeton last week demonstrated an awareness of the important work being done by Orana Wildlife Park for the conservation of animals, when they presented a $500 cheque as a platinum sponsor of the giraffe house.

Head Teacher Lorna Butter says that the children were inspired to raise the money after a visit to Orana Park last year. “They were especially drawn to the giraffe house and loved the interaction of feeding and stroking the giraffes. The baby giraffe was a particular favourite!”

“The idea to raise money to support the giraffes came directly from the children. We talked about helping conserve the animals and the park’s ‘adopt an animal’ seemed an excellent way for us to help.”

“The project reflected within our curriculum with children developing an ability to enquire, research and explore theories about conservation and wildlife. The children have developed a real sense of respect and responsibility for the living environment,” she says.

The children and their families held a disco to raise the $500, with a “giraffe jar” at the door to collect loose change. “It made the event all the more fun and meaningful, because the idea for the disco came directly from the children themselves.”

The children again threw themselves into the spirit of the occasion, making their own “giraffe ear headbands” to wear at the presentation.

Orana Park Wildlife Trust Secretary and Fundraising Co-ordinator, Hazel Stone, says that the Park is delighted to receive this donation from Kidsfirst Kindergartens Templeton.

“It is fantastic when anyone shows an interest in conservation and adopts one of our species, but it is especially reassuring when young people demonstrate an interest, as they are the future guardians of our environment,” she says.

Animal adoptions play a vital role in Orana Park’s fundraising. As a Charitable Trust, they rely on a range of fundraising initiatives, such an animal adoptions, to enable them to carry out the valuable conservation work that they do.

“Our giraffe herd costs around $15,500 a year to feed. There are many other costs involved such as veterinary care and maintenance of their homes. Therefore, this donation from Kidsfirst Kindergartens Templeton is greatly appreciated and we value their support,” says Ms Stone.

Kidsfirst Kindergartens Chief Executive Sherryll Wilson sees this as an opportunity to expand the horizons of the children. “At Kidsfirst Kindergartens we aim to provide a variety of learning experiences for children. They learn best when they are having fun, so this exercise offered a wonderful educational opportunity.”

ENDS

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