A massive thank you from all of us at Chipembere Rhino Foundation to our friends at JuMu Rhino Fund for another incredible donation of R50,784.00!
Dedicated to protecting and preserving the diminishing number of rhino in South Africa, Chipembere Rhino Foundation has allocated the funds towards the purchase of 13 rhino tracking collars that were donated to two private rhino reserves in the Eastern Cape so that they may better monitor and protect their rhino.
The funds were raised through the sales of beautiful JuMu pewter keyrings, wristbands, doorstops, beaded items and JuMu Christmas decorations, to individuals and schools locally and worldwide, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Switzerland and the USA.
JuMu was established seven years ago by Jules Murray, a young South African who after hearing about the plight of the rhino, decided to do what she could to make a difference. At the age of 11 years old, she decided to skip the traditional birthday party and instead asked her friends to join her in painting Save the Rhino pictures, which were auctioned. The money raised was donated to Chipembere Rhino Foundation. Today, Jules is in Matric at DSG in Makhanda/Grahamstown, and is still raising crucial awareness – and thousands of rands for rhino conservation. She has raised about R400,000.00 to date.
“I think rhino conservation will forever be my passion,” says Jules. “I have met amazing conservationists over the last few years, who have inspired me to continue doing what I can to help. I have also been fortunate to have had many incredible, up-close-and-personal experiences with rhinos – it would be impossible for me to just forget them!”
Although her studies – and now also her prefect duties – have kept Jules busy, she continues to make time to speak publicly about the rhino. In addition, Jules has coached at Coaching for Conservation®; is a member of her school’s Interact Committee and Environmental Committee at her high school; and a RYLeader at the Rotary Youth Leadership Weekend, receiving Gold in the President’s Awards.
JuMu now also has a new website and Jules says she has an exciting idea for raising money on Rhino Day later this year… watch this space! Her future plans also include studying overseas next year, where she plans to raise awareness of the plight of the rhino among a whole new audience.
To connect with Jules and JuMu, visit www.jumurhinofund.com or follow JuMu on Facebook.
