AUSTIN, TX — A 10-year-old animal advocate from Austin is launching her “Quarters for Koalas” fundraiser next week aimed at providing medical treatment to marsupials injured during the recent massive bush fires in Australia.
The fires that raged in Australia this year swept through some 71,815 square miles of the continent, killing about 1 billion animals and leaving numerous koalas homeless. After learning about the devastation, Kate Gilman Williams — author of “Let’s Go on Safari!” and founder of Kids Can Save Animals — jumped into action without hesitation.
“I believe kids can help the koalas of Australia,” the young animal advocate said in a prepared statement. “I’m launching a ‘Quarters For Koalas Campaign’ to help koalas that have been injured get healthy and get back to their normal life.”
She challenged her fellow students across the country to rally around the cause: “There are over 73 million children in America under the age of 18, and when you think of this number in terms of quarters this money could add up quickly!”
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The “Quarters For Koalas” fundraising initiative aims to inspire students across the nation to spark their own fundraisers to help Australia and animals in need. The Adelaide Koala Rescue Center has been working to rescue, rehabilitate and eventually release healthy koalas back into tree-filled areas, organizers explained. Most of the koalas have severe burns on their paws along with suffering from smoke inhalation and dehydration. The kick-off of the campaign to take place in Austin will support the efforts of the Adelaide Koala Rescue.
Along the way, Kate wants to educate others about the role climate change had in exacerbating the devastating conflagration in Australia. “Our Earth basically has a full-time fever,” Kate explained. “Because our planet is getting hotter, bush fires are more extreme and spread quickly.”
The campaign is set to launch Feb. 27 at Trinity Episcopal School of Austin, 3901 Bee Caves Road, where Kate attends classes. There, she is scheduled to make a presentation before her classmates on the effect the Australian bush fires had on wildlife. Students from kindergarten through fourth grade will collect quarters until March 5, and Kate plans to personally delivers the donations to Adelaide Koala Rescue officials in Australia during spring break. She also expects to visit Kangaroo Island where fires caused devastation on a massive scale.
Emmy Award-winning actress Debra Messing has agreed to match the final donation gathered one quarter at a time. Philanthropist Katie Jaffe also has signed on as a backer.
“When Kate asked me if I would support her ‘Quarters For Koalas’ Campaign, my answer was simple: Yes!” Messing said in a prepared statement. “The news of 1 billion animals dying in the bush fires of Australia is sad for any animal lover to hear. Kate took it upon herself to think of a way that her generation can take action. I hope children and teens all over will be inspired by Kate to take action themselves and collect quarters for koalas.”
Simon Zappia, director of Adelaide Koala Rescue, explained the ramifications of the fires will be felt for years to come.
“The recovery efforts in Australia will continue for decades,” he said. “We are passionate about educating youth, and are thrilled to work with Kate.”
The young but influential animal advocate from Austin challenges kids everywhere to start a similar campaign at their school.
About Kids Can Save Animals
Kids Can Save Animals is an animal advocacy organization founded Kate Gilman Williams. Kids Can Save Animals began when Kate took a trip to South Africa when she was 8 years old, during which time she met South Africa-based safari guide and wildlife conservation advocate Michelle Campbell.
From that initial meeting, Campbell served as Kate’s safari guide. Through their adventures and friendship, they co-wrote “Let’s Go On Safari!” published on May 6, 2019. “Let’s Go on Safari!” invites young readers to hop in a 4×4, experience the thrill of a safari in the South African bushveld and discover how kids can get involved in saving endangered animals. Sales from “Let’s Go on Safari!” support the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Jane Goodall Institute, and Global Wildlife Conservation.
For more information, visit kidscansaveanimals.com.