Design studio Wansy Savvy launched Coastal Critters at the South African Naval College Open Day in Gordon’s Bay on Saturday 13 September to raise funds for the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Sanccob).
The initiative builds toward the main event on Saturday 20 September, when Wansy Savvy will support Helderberg Ocean Awareness Movement (Hoam) in hosting International Coastal Cleanup Day 2025 at Strand Beach from 09:30.
The 3D printed critters, made using eco-friendly polylactic acid (PLA) filament, come in eight marine characters: African penguin, dolphin, southern right whale, Cape fur seal, orca, hammerhead shark, and great white shark.
Each plush toy costs R90, with R1 200 donated to Sanccob for every 40 critters sold.
Behind this creative fundraising approach is Taryn Flee, owner of Wansy Savvy, whose conservation journey began when she attended Sanccob first responders training alongside fellow Gordon’s Bay residents Mark Flee, Eva-Willow de Villiers and Galaya Skye de Villiers Pentz. Following the training, she joined Hoam founder Lisa Starr as a certified first responder.
Their volunteer network has become particularly vital during the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, which has increased the urgent need for trained wildlife rescue personnel. The Coastal Critters launch directly addresses this conservation crisis through both fundraising and awareness.
The upcoming cleanup will focus on the protected space at the mouth of the Lourens River. Organisers will supply bags and ask volunteers to bring their own reusable water bottle, cap and gloves if preferred. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed, but prizes will be available during the cleanup.
This local action connects to International Coastal Cleanup Day, a worldwide effort dedicated to removing debris from beaches, coasts and waterways across the globe – perfectly aligning Wansy Savvy’s fundraising mission with direct environmental action.
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