Rusks for raptors

GEORGE NEWS - Thanks to the enthusiasm, hard work and sacrifice of a 12-year-old girl, the Garden Route Birds of Prey Rehab Centre situated at the botanical garden in George, could recently add R7 500 to its kitty.

Rachelle Botha, a Grade 6 learner at Glenwood House School, has raised this amount for the centre by baking and selling rusks. Rachelle told George Herald that the well-being of animals is close to her heart.

Although it is early days, she would like to work with animals one day.

The project, done with the support and help of her mom, Caren, was part of a leadership programme at the school called the Ductus Excelliantam (leadership excellence) Challenge.

Rachelle says it was hard work and she faced some challenges, including load shedding, but she enjoyed it. She baked the first rusks on 12 June. She had to buy the ingredients and pay for the electricity, and she designed her own packaging. The amount she donated to the centre was clear profit.

Lauren Foss (left), manager of the Garden Route Birds of Prey Rehab Centre, Rachelle Botha and teacher Juliette Powell.

Caren is proud of her daughter's hard work. She said sometimes, when the rusks dried overnight, Rachelle had to get up at 05:00 to package it before school. Rachelle marketed the rusks herself and in addition many orders came in after people heard of her endeavour.

The Garden Route Birds of of Prey Rehab Centre, a non-profit organisation, is involved in many rescue projects in the Garden Route. According to Caren, it does wonderful work and about 90% of the birds that are rehabilitated at the centre are eventually released back into nature.

Lauren Foss, manager of the centre, said Rachelle's contribution means a lot to the centre and the money will be well used. She thanked Rachelle and Caren for their help and said money received will always be used to benefit of the birds.

The centre is funded from the owners' own pocket. It does not receive any state grants.

Rachelle Botha marketed the rusks that she baked.