My name is Marla Rinck and I am a student, attending grade 10.

Did you know that Central Africa has lost 64% of its elephant population in the last decade? Did you know that more than 100,000 African elephants were illegally poached between the years of 2010-2012? Did you know that in the last four years, the wholesale price of raw ivory in China tripled, reaching a per kilo dollar price of $2,100 USD?

The sad ongoing issue of global ivory consumption, and the loss of habitat from human settlement, are the largest threats to our elephant population today. Now, one might ask, why is protecting the elephant population so important to us and the environment?

Elephants are among the most intelligent of the creatures with whom we share the planet, with complex consciousnesses that are capable of strong emotions. Across Africa, elephants have inspired respect from the people that share the landscape with them, giving them a strong cultural significance. As icons of the continent, elephants are tourism magnets, attracting funding that helps protect wilderness areas. Lastly, they are also keystone species, playing an important role in maintaining the biodiversity of the ecosystems in which they live.

So, the real question is, how can YOU help?

Firstly, by paying $10 for 1 bracelet, you are supporting Relate organization in South Africa, therefore supporting the elderly women living in townships who bead the bracelets & over 82 charitable causes! You are also supporting the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Foundation, who put all their efforts and funds into the preservation and protection of wildlife. These include anti-poaching, safeguarding the natural environment, enhancing community awareness, addressing animal welfare issues, providing veterinary assistance to animals in need, rescuing and hand rearing elephant and rhino orphans, along with other species that can ultimately enjoy a quality of life in wild terms when grown.

In addition to paying $10 for 1 bracelet, you also have the option to make additional donations by clicking this link, in which the funds go directly towards the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Foundation.

Please stop the Big Five from becoming the Big Four, and give our future generations the same opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of our elephants in their natural habitats.

No matter how small you are, you can always make a difference!