THORNHILL – A Grade 5 learner from Gqeberha has turned his love for animals into action by collecting donations for the African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary near Thornhill during the school holidays.

Caleb Vlok, a learner at Grey Junior School, has long enjoyed nature and animals and regularly visits the sanctuary, particularly to see the Senegal parrots.

As previously reported, the sanctuary, situated approximately 50km from Gqeberha and 30km from Jeffreys Bay off the R102 near Thornhill, is home to more than 250 bird species, as well as numerous mammals and reptiles, including servals, caracals, bushbuck, meerkats, marmoset monkeys, crocodiles and a hand-raised porcupine.

Many of the animals are orphaned, injured or surrendered wildlife that cannot survive in the wild.

It is this vulnerable community of animals that captured Caleb’s heart, prompting him to tell his parents in June that he wanted to collect donations for the sanctuary during the school holidays.

Explaining what inspired the project, Caleb said his visits to the sanctuary left a lasting impression.

“I visited African Dawn in 2024, and ever since then I have tried to visit as often as I can during the school holidays. When I first visited, I saw how much work the staff had to do, and thought that I would like to help them,” said Caleb.

After contacting African Dawn, the family received a wish list of needed items.

With the help of a poster created by his grandmother, Yolanda Horne, Caleb began collecting donations from family, friends and members of the community.

Fresh produce was donated by colleagues of his mother, Taryn, and local relatives, while his doctor donated bird food.

Family members in the United Kingdom also contributed British pounds, enabling Caleb to purchase an additional 25kg of bird feed.

Although naturally shy, Caleb said he found a way to ask for support.

“I had a chat with my Oumie about this idea that I had, but I am shy and did not know where to start. My Oumie created the fancy poster and asked my parents to share it on their WhatsApp. I told my family about my project and asked them to donate,” said Caleb.

The fundraising effort also taught him valuable financial lessons. Caleb said he learned that sometimes buying items on special is not always cheaper than buying in bulk.

“I learned that this is called mark-up. This also taught me that sometimes the specials are not that special,” said Caleb.

He added that he used a calculator while shopping to ensure he got the best value for the donations he had received.

Caleb said the most difficult part of the project was having a fear that his idea wouldn’t make a difference; however, he quickly realised that it was important for him to give it his best.

“I would encourage other children who are interested to give it their best, and believe that their part in donating will make a big impact on the animals and people,” said Caleb.

“Starting small can always end bigger than you expected. Every little bit helps, and you will feel good afterwards,” said Caleb.

Caleb hopes the donations will show the animals they are cared for.

“I hope that they are loved and cared for, even by those who do not get to spend every day with them like the staff at African Dawn, and that they can continue making kids like me happy every time they visit. I hope African Dawn stays open for a very long time,” said Caleb.

He said he is already planning for his next fundraising project with hopes to assist penguins at SANCCOB in Gqeberha.

Caleb’s parents, Taryn and Ewald Vlok, said they were initially surprised when he shared his idea, but hearing the passion in his voice, they encouraged him and helped where they could.

Taryn said Caleb handled most of the project on his own and even planned his route and shared it with Yolanda, who was his designated driver.

“We were surprised with him being a shy boy, but overjoyed with him taking the initiative,” said Taryn.

The experience also gave Caleb valuable life skills. Ewald said it taught him about budgeting and working with money, while Taryn said it taught him to never doubt himself, and to not back down from challenges.

“Words cannot explain how proud we are of him and his good heart toward supporting those in need,” said Ewald.

African Dawn management said Caleb’s efforts were both encouraging and meaningful.

“Seeing the youth still care about animals warms our hearts. In a world so focused on technology, it’s beautiful to witness young people showing up with love, time and care for creatures who can’t speak for themselves,” the management team said.

They said the donated items were already benefiting the sanctuary’s animals. “Caleb’s generous donation has helped so much. The pawpaw, finely crushed corn, apples and other fresh foods he brought in are feeding the animals every single day. It’s that kind of support that keeps our sanctuary running,” they said.

The sanctuary said community support remains essential.

“Community is everything to African Dawn. We rely on the kindness of wonderful people like you. All donations are welcome and deeply appreciated because without you, we couldn’t do this work,” the management team said.

African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. For more information, contact the sanctuary on 083 270 3397.

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