Young philanthropists produce concert for charity

After learning about the plight of the rhino at school, and finding out that they need help, Jess decided to put on a show to raise funds. After pestering her mom, Karen, and talking to her friends, Jess got the ball rolling.

“I told her that sounds like a lot of hard work for me,” said her mother, Karen. “She replied that she would do all the work!”

Jess involved eight of her friends and her siblings, and the practising began. “We decided to do the things me and my friends are good at,” said Jess.

The concert included ballet, gym, tap dancing, singing, a puppet show, magic show, break-dancing and poetry.

Their Grade R teacher at Ocean View Montessori allowed them to practise during playtime at school, and even included what they were doing as part of their syllabus.

They sold tickets for R10 each and sold food and drinks on the day. After the performance, they sold DVDs of the show to family and friends. They managed to raise R1 500 through their efforts, and a local resident and Jess’s uncle have each agreed to match that amount and donate it to the cause.

Jess decided to donate half of the profits to Save the Rhinos, and the other half was used to buy formula for the uMhlanga Baby Home.

Jess said that she plans to produce another concert next year, but hasn’t decided which charity she will support.