Heidi was born on the 18th of May 2011 in George. The meaning of her name (heid – second part of the name derived from Adelheid – means kind) describes Heidi perfectly. She has a soft heart, always caring for others, and she gets upset when others are hurt. She stands up for what she believes in. She donated her hair to CANSA after she heard about a boy in school who is battling with cancer. Heidi loves the outdoors, and her newest passion is hiking. She loves a good old braai on a Saturday night, although she doesn’t eat lamb or mutton. In her words, how can you eat something that cute! Heidi has been part of a dance school since she was 3 years old, pursuing first ballet, and then switching to Hip Hop. She has also been part of the choir since Grade 1.
Heidi’s biggest achievement was winning the AET Kids Art Competition! What a wonderful experience – she is so excited to make others more aware of taking care of our lovely planet.
Heidi’s stunning design is being used on stylish AET backpacks and shopping bags (with more merchandise items in the pipeline for the future) and can be purchased online via the AET AFRICA ONLINE SHOP – use the code GoGreen at checkout to receive a 10% discount.
1. What I felt when I created my piece of work
I was very excited! I love doing art and with this piece I could show people what we can do to make a change.
2. What would you like people to see and think when they look at your artwork?
I would like people to see that when people work together (taking hands) they can make a difference. One life can make a difference . . . imagine what could happen when everyone works together.
3. A portion of the purchase of every item will go to an organisation of your choice. Please tell us who has been nominated?
I have nominated Invasive Fish Species Management (IFSM)
4. Why have you chosen it?
IFSM works hard to conserve the freshwater wetlands and lakes. They capture the invasive freshwater fish called the common Carp. These fish can cause huge damage to the environment. They are bottom feeders, which muddies waterbodies and therefore can destroy the aquatic plants. They can breed many times a year, releasing thousands of eggs. The IFSM uses volunteers to catch these fish (mainly at night), so the fish doesn’t go to waste. Between May 2020 and May 2021, 1 373kg of carp was distributed to feed communities in need. This organisation does not receive funding – they do it because they love our environment and the conservation thereof. I would love for them to receive some compensation to keep on doing what they are doing. I don’t want Groenvlei to become Bruinvlei.
5. If Mars were liveable, would you accept a one-way ticket there?
No – I love earth too much. There is nothing beautiful on Mars, just red sand.
6. If you were given 1 000 acres of land what would you do with it?
I would build a house for us and then plant lots of fruit and vegetables. Get some chickens and use it to teach people how to conserve nature and provide food.
7. How do you think people will communicate in a perfect world?
They will talk to people face to face not with cell phones or the internet.
8. Where do you go and what do you do when you want to relax?
We stay on a farm just outside of George, so I love to take long walks with my family or play with my dog.
9. If you could write one new law that everybody had to obey, what would it be?
Stop animal abuse
10. What skill of craft would you like to master?
I would love to become better at art and also love to be a good singer.
11. What would you say are some small steps that people can take to make the world a better place for future generations?
Don’t litter. Save energy and water. Respect others (including animals) and SMILE.
12. If you had a theme song what would it be?
13. What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
Cutting my hair and donating it to CANSA
14. Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?
Gatherer
15. How many pairs of shoes do you have?
Four
16. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Chicken with salad
17. Where do you find your inspiration?
Nature
18. What, if anything, have you ever re-gifted?
Gift Bags
19. What is the most interesting thing you have seen or read this week?
I read about a man that was swallowed by a whale . . . thank goodness the whale spat him out (Jonah of 2021).
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