Twins, Lea and Dennis de Villiers, spent almost a year saving up all the coins that they could lay their hands on and recently donated them to the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The total amounted to R312,30 from coins alone.
The AACL’s Linda-Louise Swain was ecstatic with the donation, especially because of all the effort that the 18-year-old twins had put into the initiative.
“It was such a wonderful surprise! They went on a mission to collect all their coins from their Grade 11 year to the start of their matric exams this year,” Swain said.
“One lone R1 silver coin made an appearance in there as well! They have so kindly donated these coins to the AACL to make a difference in the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves,” she added.
“It is such an uplifting gift that shows us that there are young people out there who care and are prepared to make a difference. Every cent counts, particularly over the season when animal suffering and abandonment is at its peak.
“We encourage anyone to come up with a novel idea and to soar with it. We so desperately need the youth to lead and make a difference.
“Dennis and Lea have set such an example and our gratitude is immense – from all at the AACL and from those who cannot speak for themselves,” Swain said.
The twins’ mother, Heidi de Villiers, said that her children, matric learners at Pearson High School, came about the idea when the family adopted an abandoned mommy cat that they named Lola.
“We went to look at her kittens but fell in love with her and adopted her instead. She is Lea’s biggest supporter during exams and never leaves her side while she studies and of course she checks in on Dennis as well during exams now and again just to get a snack. The cat loves eating,” Heidi explained with a smile.
“They thought that the only way to repay Lola for her exam support and love is to collect and save everyone’s spare change in the house in order to help other vulnerable abandoned animals.
“We often support the local thrift stores and they wanted to hand in their coin collection at Bargain Box but exams caught up with us and luckily we could get a hold of Linda-Louise Swain and hand the coins over to her.
“She was very kind and counted the coins,” Heidi added.
“They started at the end of Grade 11 and still wanted to challenge the other teens to do the same but with matric being so busy they never got around to it! I’m just glad that R300 can help somewhere at the AACL!”
Swain said that everyone at the organisation is grateful to Dennis and Lea. Their initiative motivated an anonymous woman to match their donation.
“Our most grateful thanks for this wonderful gift to the animals; her words were that we need more of these caring young peeps in our circles,” Swain said.
“We hope that Dennis and Lea will soar through their exams and have bright futures filled with happiness and success, coupled with a continued love for the animals.”
