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Young Canadian works to save the chimpanzees

By Caitlin Ohama-Darcus

The Ubyssey, October 28th, 2008

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed this is the only thing that ever has.”

The words of anthropologist Margaret Mead are easy to agree with, but to act upon this message takes a special type of person—especially if you’re barely a teenager.

Fourteen-year old Elliot Lupini from Victoria, BC is one of them—a Canadian youth genuinely committed to working with others to make a difference in our world.

Over the past five years, Elliot has raised and donated over $2000 in support of orphaned chimpanzees. His fundraising has contributed to the Jane Goodall Institute, an organization founded by Jane Goodall—an internationally renowned primatologist, environmentalist and UN Messenger of Peace—in 1977. Today, the Institute continues to support wildlife research, conservation and education around the globe.

Elliot first heard about the Jane Goodall Institute and the plight of the chimpanzees in grade four.

“I was horrified about how they were killing chimpanzees for the bushmeat trade and using them for entertainment, so I wanted to find out how I could help and donate, or raise awareness for the Institute.”

After doing some research, Elliot committed himself to this cause.

“I decided that I wanted to start donating yearly to the Institute….I use most of my Christmas money…and then I wanted to have a fundraiser.”

Three years ago, Elliot organized his first community campaign.

“We sent an invitation out to all our friends, neighbours and everyone we knew and asked them if they could come and give a donation to help raise some money. For the fundraiser we ended up raising over $500—it was much more than I anticipated.”

Just last summer, Elliot organized a second community fundraiser that brought in over $800.

Elliot, also a member of the Roots and Shoots Foundation, the Jane Goodall Institute’s international environmental and humanitarian program for youth, first met Goodall at a conference three years ago.

“I got her message of hope. It is her goal for the world to help the chimpanzees and also create a sustainable world for everyone…to inspire people to make a difference.”

Inspired by Goodall, Elliot has his own message to share with Canadian youth.

“If you can learn about the plight of the chimpanzees and the world around us right now…if you can understand that, and then; if you could donate even a toonie, it can help make your community more sustainable,” he said.

“I’ll keep donating as long as I can…and hopefully that will make a huge difference.”

Read the original article here.