The letter below was written by Kendra Connock in Grade 7. Kendra was approached by the Endangered Wildlife Trust to become the Junior Ambassador for their "Dare to Care" campaign, and Kendra's letter went out on their database as part of their fundraising appeal. Please consider supporting this very worthy cause as well.

All I want this year...
... is the promise that our wildlife stays where it belongs, that I inherit the natural beauty that I was born into and that you care enough to keep my favourite animals from becoming extinct.

This year, over 500 of our threatened Blue Cranes have been illegally taken out of the wild; over 200 Rhinos have been killed just for their horns; less than 400 Wild Dogs roam South African soil and over 80% of of our rivers are polluted.

At this rate, by the time I'm grown up it may already be too late for me to do anything to protect what's left of our beautiful earth.

So I'm writing to you now, while there is still time. If we don't do something now I may, one day, have to explain to my younger brothers and sisters (or my future children) what the wonderful mating dance of our National Bird used to look like, how Wild Dogs used to hunt and just how fast the Cheetah could run. Help me leave them with more than words.

On behalf of the millions of other children with my same dream and the future generations who are not yet able to speak for themselves, please support wildlife conservation. From the majestic Big Five to the smallest grassland species and our rivers and wetlands, please help me keep our natural heritage alive.

Support the Endangered Wildlife Trust and ensure that I am able to look forward to the life you currently enjoy. You will be giving us the greatest gift of all - the gift of wildlife. Join hands with me and the Endangered Wildlife Trust - Dare to Care with me.

Lots of Love
Kendra