University of the Sunshine Coast students are heading to Malaysia to continue their work to save Borneo Sun Bears after a documentary screening fundraiser raised $1,100.
As part of the students Public Relations Degree, the project supporting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), provides industry experience for students and exposure for the new adoption program of Bornean Sun Bears which the students have developed.
USC Student Krisztina Morris said the program is designed to provide BSBCC with ongoing support, long after their project has ended.
“We travel to Borneo this week to help launch the new adoption program at BSBCC and people can now go online and adopt a bear or buy bear gifts like honey for a sun bear, medicine or food,” she said.
The documentary screening held last week at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital raised awareness and funds that will go towards helping save the Bornean Sun Bear.
Moreton Bay’s Young Australian of the Year, Tegan Lather who attended the event said watching the story of the sun bear centre was inspirational.
“The screening made me want to do even more to help save this endangered species, so my family purchased a hammock for the sun bears,” she said.
The students will travel to Borneo on February 6, with their tutor Sarah Pye to run a similar event at the BSBCC and hand over the event proceeds. The students’ travel has been funded by USC’s Global Opportunity Program and the Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education.
You can support the Bornean Sun Bear adoption program by visiting http://www.bsbcc.org.my/adopt-a-bear.html where you can adopt a bear or purchase a gift for the bears.
