Bird fundraiser takes flight as uMhlanga boy raises R20k

AT nine years old, Romario Valentine from uMhlanga, has raised more than R20 000 for the conservation program at Umgeni River Bird Park (UBP). Through Romario’s Birthday Umgeni Birds Campaign, Valentine asked for donations in lieu of gifts for his ninth birthday on 26 July.

This after finding out that UBP was under strain due to the Covid-19 lockdown. The campaign also aims to raise awareness about UBP’s Inspire to Conserve programme and their conservation work to save endangered birds.

“I do not want the birds to go hungry and become extinct,” said Valentine, who developed a passion for birds after visiting the bird park.

While Valentine aimed to raise R15 000, the campaign has exceeded expectations by thousands of Rands since it went live on 6 July.

“Thank you to everyone who shared and contributed to my campaign including my friends Junseok and Jinwoo Yun, Anthony Wallis, Ruby Halabi, Uma Singh, Mnelisi Mazibuko, Seth and Quin Wilkinson, Yuvaan Ghela, Esther Lee, Suri Chen, Tavish Naidoo, Sphesihle Mthembu, Lynn and Stacey Mutanda. Together we supported the bird conservation programme,” said Valentine.

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As a keen artist, Valentine enjoys painting a range of birds including: Hoopoe, Golden Pheasant, Reeves Pheasant, Bee Eater and African Grey Hornbill.”My favourite birds are the Hoopoe and Macaw,” he said.

“I enjoy going to Umgeni River Bird Park because I love to see the amazing birds, the bird show and feeding time. There is also a beautiful waterfall,” he added.

Parents, Delsha Moodley and Clive Valentine said they feel honoured to have a “benevolent and visionary” son.”He is a creative, sporty and vibrant child and we will continue to support him in all his endeavours,” said Moodley.

Valentine hopes to encourage other youngsters to take an interest in the environment.

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“It is important to preserve ocean life and birds so they don’t become extinct. Only we can look after them and we need oxygen from trees to live. It is important for children to get involved with conservation to learn how to look after nature for our future,” he said.

For more information, visit Valentine’s campaign via: www.backabuddy.co.za/romario-valentine

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