Kuan was with us for only 18 years. Rhinos have been around for over 40 million years… Please help us to ensure they are around FOREVER, by donating to this fundraiser for the Save The Rhino Foundation, in Kuan’s honour.

In memory of our beautiful son and brother Kuan, and to continue his legacy, we are committing to continue raising funds to stop the cruel and senseless poaching of rhinos in countries like South Africa, just like he did. Kuan passed away in August 2022, after a short and sudden illness - he was only 18. In his short life, he was passionate about trying to prevent the possible extinction of rhinos as a result of the devasting impact of rhino poaching.

Kuan lived in South Africa for 18 months from the age of 8, where he was fortunate enough to see rhinos in their natural habitat. He was horrified to discover that they are illegally killed for their horns which some cultures believe to have magical healing powers, and that they could become extinct in the wild if this poaching continues.

When Kuan returned to his home in Australia in 2014, he was determined to do everything he could to help stop rhino poaching. His mantra became, "the best place for the rhino’s horn is on its head”. In Year 5 at Bilgola Plateau Primary School, NSW, at the age of 10, Kuan started his fundraising efforts for the Save the Rhino Foundation (https://www.savetherhino.org). He organised a market stall at school on World Rhino Day and sold beaded rhino keyrings - hand-made by two unemployed, homeless men in South Africa, Lee-Roy and Simba. He raised funds by raffling a hamper of South African snacks and a large rhino soft toy, and he donated all the proceeds from a garage sale he organised.

Kuan became even more determined and passionate in the following year, following the horrific story of a White Rhino named Hope. In 2015, Hope was found on a wildlife reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa with both her horns removed and a large section of her face savagely mutilated. Miraculously, she was still alive. She went on to have 6 major surgeries before finally passing away 2 years later. Kuan again organised a shipment of hand-made beaded rhino keyrings from Lee-Roy and Simba in South Africa, to sell to his school friends. He also raffled a large, beaded rhino to raise additional funds.

When Kuan moved on to high school, his sister, Kaira continued his fundraising efforts while she was in Grade 5 and Grade 6. Each year on World Rhino Day in September, she, too, would create awareness by doing presentations in assembly and raising money through the sale of the hand-made, beaded rhino keyrings.

In Kuan’s first year of high school in 2017 he participated in a project called ‘1000s stories… and counting’, aimed at “making a positive difference and shaping your community.” Kuan seized the opportunity to tell people about the plight of the rhinos in the world. He raised awareness with a visual presentation to the school community, and by doing a public speech. He was even featured in the local newspaper for his efforts for the Save The Rhino Foundation. Kuan’s sole aim was to inspire his friends, family and complete strangers to consider what they, too, could do to prevent rhinos from becoming extinct in the very near future.

The following year, 2018, Kaira went to extraordinary lengths to continue the work Kuan had started. Kaira, who had beautiful long strawberry blond hair, pledged to cut 55cm off her hair - 55cm being the same length as the critically endangered Black Rhino’s horn! She donated the sponsorship money she raised for doing this to the Save The Rhino Foundation and then also donated her hair to Variety Children’s Charity to be made into wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer or alopecia.

Together, Kuan and Kaira have been truly inspirational in their passion to help stop the senseless maiming and killing of rhino. They raised over $2,000 through their efforts.

In Kuan’s memory, we are committed to continuing to raise funds that will help save these magnificent creatures from possible extinction.

We are eternally grateful for each individual donation made, and especially to the following who have made a significant contribution to this this fundraising campaign in Kuan’s honour:-

• Bilgola Plateau Primary School, who undertake the sale of the beaded rhino keyrings as an annual fundraiser, and who have also raised money through the Earn and Return program which pays 10c for recyclable bottles and cans. https://bilgolapla-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

• Avalon Primary School, who under the guidance of two very special, passionate young siblings, Marlie and Leo Bolton, have raised funds annually by selling rhino key rings, baking rhino decorated cupcakes, and organising an animal-print dress-up day for the entire school. https://avalon-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

• Albion Park Cakes and Pies/Jewel family who have generously donated $1 from each pie that is sold on the day that Kuan passed each year. https://www.facebook.com/apcakes.pies

• On 2nd September 2022 Kuan's teammates, friends and family attended a Celebration of his Life in Wollongong, NSW. All cans and bottles from the day were taken to the Earn and Return program,. Kuan’s Gridiron Coach Wayne who worked there, topped up the amount redeemed to $280 https://returnandearn.org.au

• To commemorate Kuan’s 2nd year “Angelversary” on 23rd August 2024, a team of 9 of his teammates, friends and family did a sponsored Skydive in Wollongong, Australia and raised over $5000! https://www.skydive.com.au/inspiring-stories/skydiving-for-love-a-familys-tribute/

• To commemorate Kuan's 4th year Angelversary on 23rd August 2026, we invited all his friends/family/teammates to "donate $4 4 the rhinos 4 Kuan's 4 year angelversary" - we raised AU$3563 in a week!

• Each year on Kuan’s birthday on 2nd January, we, as his family, make a donation in lieu of a gift and ask others to do the same – we thank each of you who has.