Kylie, 9, loves Orangutans and wants to help save the Rainforest
By Cassie Johnson
Kylie’s love of nature and environmental awareness came alive in first grade. Her teacher, Mrs. Rappleye, taught an extensive lesson on the Red Wood Forest and all the important creatures within. The classroom was transformed into a living forest from the netting on the ceiling to the bark covering the floor, it was an amazing year. That following summer our family traveled to Costa Rica. We steered away from the zip-line rides and ATV activities; instead we concentrated on exploration of the rainforest wild life.
Knowledge is a powerful thing. There is no turning back for Kylie now. She understands that our world and its creatures are in need of help, and she knows she can make a difference.
Kylie celebrated her 9th birthday much like her 8th, a philanthropic rainforest / orangutan themed party. Along with a swimsuit and towel, she asks her guests to each bring a handmade birthday card (jungle themed) and in lieu of a gift, make a donation to save endangered orangutans through “Orangutan Outreach”. (Last year, at her 8th birthday guests donated and adopted six and a half acres of the Costa Rican rainforest).
All twenty-five children participated and were excited to help, as most had heard about the killing of orangutans and the rainforests disappearing to the plantations of palm oil trees.
Kylie raised $500.00!!!!!!!!!!! Kylie describes her birthday as “the best party ever!” We call it the gift that keeps giving. She gets so much joy, deciding on an organization to support, reading the orangutan stories, laughing at all the creative cards her friends made, and counting up the piles of checks and cash. Then there is the writing of her story for websites and our local paper, and a certificate of giving we frame on her bedroom wall.
The gift of empowerment and confidence Kylie receives from these birthdays can not even come close to the short-lived joy of material birthday gifts. We are so proud of Kylie and hope she inspires other children and families to discover the joy of giving in the pursuit of raising global environmental consciousness.
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We couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much, Kylie! You have joined the ranks of a growing number of young supporters who are doing their part to help save the orangutans…. The world needs more kids like you, Isabella Velez and Lainie Hampton! And stay tuned for more from Girl Scouts Rhiannon Tomtishen and Mady Vorva.
