We’ve all heard the saying ‘not all heroes wear capes!’ This rings the loudest for one of our youngest and most passionate UK supporters, Xavi.
We are thrilled to announce that Xavi Barugh, nominated by our very own UK Manager Debbie Haynes for the prestigious Child of Sussex Awards 2024 has been short-listed as a finalist in the highly coveted ‘Caring For The Environment’ category! Xavi’s extraordinary work and unwavering commitment towards helping our elephants definitely makes our young wildlife warrior deserving of all the recognition.
Xavi, who has Autism and additional educational needs, began his fundraising journey with Wildlife SOS back in 2020 when he learned, and was greatly affected by, the story of our majestic elephant Raju. Having travelled to India as part of our UK Volunteer Explore trip in November last year, he met his hero Raju and also worked as a volunteer with our elephants and Sloth bears for a week. Xavi, who recently celebrated his 12th birthday has vowed to continue to work to help elephants that have suffered trauma and abuse giving rides to tourists and working as begging elephants in India.
On hearing that he had made it through to the finals of the Child of Sussex awards, Xavi said, “I am really so grateful and happy to be in the final but I also want everyone to know that it isn’t just me. This is for all the animals as well, who are abused and need our help. I hope I win so I can tell everyone about Wildlife SOS and how people can help save animals, and mostly the elephants who I work for ”
Xavi’s fundraising trail has been nothing short of awe inspiring. He has done Freedom Walks for the elephants, launched self-designed fundraising campaigns like Break The Chain and Wear Grey For The Elephants. Reflecting on his efforts, his mother Ali says, “Xavi works tirelessly with new ideas and ways to help the elephants and all animals every day and I would love for him to win in recognition of his hard work. I think it’s very important for Xavi and all other children with Autism and additional needs to realise the potential they have in this world, and when they tap into their strengths they can do amazing things. It’s about finding your ‘super-power’ as Xavi says, and knowing there are no limitations to you.”
His active involvement with fundraising for our elephants has seen Xavi grow in confidence. “I have always said that as much as Xavi works to save the elephants, the elephants have saved Xavi,” says Ali. “They made him find his inner strength and it delights me everyday to see just how much they have empowered Xavi”.
Debbie, our UK Manager who has worked closely with Xavi these past 4 years said, “I am so disappointed not to be able to attend the Awards Final but I will be thinking of Xavi 100%! Xavi so deserves this award. His passion and dedication is infectious, he is my hero for sure!”
Sharon Harper, another dedicated UK supporter, will be accompanying Xavi to the Awards event. After volunteering at Wildlife SOS in the same group as Xavi last year, Sharon was inspired! Sharon is walking a staggering 5500 km on UK National Trails through 2024-25 to help the elephants! Her ‘Walk 4 Elephants’ fundraiser seeks to raise £5500, £1 for each kilometre she walks.
Xavi’s nomination for the Child of Sussex Awards 2024 is a testament to the amazing bond that can exist between children and animals, and that can evolve into groundbreaking changes. Wildlife SOS wishes him the best of luck! We are immensely proud of him and eagerly await the final result
Xavi would like you to support him by donating to help him support the elephants via his new Facebook fundraiser.
Go, Xavi! The elephants and all of us are rooting for you!
