By Isle of Wight Observer
Local fund-raising volunteer, Sarah Whitter, has made waves – quite literally – in her efforts to raise £5,000 for Benji and Balu, two rescued bears who will shortly be making their way to their forever home at The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, in Sandown. Kept for years in dreadful and cramped conditions outside a restaurant in Azerbaijan, the bear brothers will soon be set to begin a new chapter in their custom-built enclosure, complete with an all-important pond.
Sarah’s latest fundraising challenge, cheekily named “Barenaked 4 bears”, saw her braving a skinny dip in the bears’ brand new habitat pool. Originally planned for New Year’s Day, the dip took place on January 2 due to stormy weather. Supporting Sarah were Swim the Wight coach, Victoria, who guided her through her very first cold-water dip, Courtney, who created the bears’ pool and habitat, and one of Sarah’s best friends Zoe, who captured the moment on film.
Thanks to Sarah’s inspiring efforts, along with the generosity of 156 supporters, over £5,360 has already been raised — exceeding her initial target. The funds will cover the pond’s pump and filtration system, crucial for keeping the bears comfortable in their new environment.
Sarah is no newcomer to raising money for the Wildheart Trust, over seven years her challenges have included abseiling down The Spinnaker Tower, running 100 miles in 28 days, losing a stone in weight in a month, giving up a car for 10 per cent of the year, and, last year, shaving all her hair off. Her past efforts have raised more than £15,000.
“Benji and Balu deserve it,” Sarah said. “I’ve done some wild challenges before, but this one was for a feature that means so much to the bears’ quality of life.”
Would you like to help give Benji and Balu their happy ending? Donations to Sarah’s campaign are still welcome via iw.observer/bear-naked. Every pound makes a difference!
