When they heard about the Earth Rangers “Bring Back the Wild” campaign, Sofie and Maya Jenkins of Erin picked up a paint brush to help.
The nine-year-old twins decided to sell artwork to raise money for the pine marten, whose home in the boreal forest is being threatened by increased human disturbance.
Inspired by nature, the girls are creating minimalistic botanical art pieces made with water colour and black ink.
The girls are already halfway to their $500 goal.
Earth Rangers is a kids’ conservation organization that aims to educate children about the importance of biodiversity. This year, the organization is focusing on five key species: eastern small-footed bats, midland painted turtles, pine martens, woodland caribou and bees.
“We decided (on the pine marten) because it’s really cute and because we kind of know about it,” said Maya.
“We want to learn more about it,” added Sofie.
Sofie and Maya decided to work together for the project.
Maya said, “We kind of decided, why don’t we sell art for it because we love art and so why don’t we just give it a try?”
Sofie added, “Because we love painting with our mom and we love animals.”
The girls’ mother, Melissa, helps them with marketing and photography, while their father Matt helps with the finances.
“We want to teach them to be radically generous and we want to teach them the skills of learning about money, how to market themselves,” said Melissa. “They’re also learning about social media and how to be safe.”
Melissa added the project also helps build character as they learn to work together towards their goal.
“I love that they are creating artwork,” she said.
The 160,000 Canadian members have the opportunity to work toward rewards as they help raise funds for the conservation programs.
Earth Rangers executive director Peter Kendall said he was inspired by Sofie and Maya.
“Kids today are bombarded with negative environmental messaging and rather than giving up, like most adults do, kids want to get involved and make a difference for wildlife,” Kendall said.
Funds for the pine martin project will help identify and protect old growth forest habitat with the assistance of the Nature Conservancy Canada in Manitoba.
Kendall explained the project will also work with local industries to make sure wood harvested from the forest isn’t taken from pine marten habitat.
Maya said is was their love of animals that drove them to participate.
“We really love animals and we really want to support them so animals don’t go extinct,” she said.
“It’s fun for kids to do too and sometimes adults are really busy,” said Sofie.
Maya added, “It encourages (kids) to learn more about nature and wildlife and pay more attention to it.”
Kendall purchased one of the pieces.
“I was incredibly inspired by not only their dedication to protecting wildlife but also by the quality of their work and its presentation,” he said.
“I have put their art up beside my desk to remind me every day what Earth Rangers is all about.”
The girls are now working on personalized pet portraits, taking inspiration from their puppy Mylo.
The artwork, known as Sofaya Art, can be viewed and purchased on Facebook (facebook.com/sofaya.art), Instagram (@sofaya.art) or Etsy (etsy.com/ca/shop/SofayaArt).
