Constructed with reused and recycled materials, Rebecca was inspired to build Marlyn the Giraffe after learning about the AID Foundation’s Sponsor a Spot campaign in Waterloo, Ontario (Canada). Anne Innis Dagg and her son Ian Dagg built a 14-foot giraffe named Gayle to help generate donations for AWF sniffer dogs to be trained to sniff out giraffe meat and products that are being trafficked within and out of Africa.

Contributions to the Classroom Africa program will provide funding for environmental clubs at rural primary schools in Tanzania near Tsavo Park, which is a hotbed for giraffe poaching. Local governments will provide educators to facilitate this program, so that the following items and experiences may be provided:

• Giraffe themed materials such as workbooks, posters, and games

• Field trips to national parks to see giraffes, including a lunch and beverage for each student

• Seeds for tree planting

In the last 30 years, the giraffe population has declined by almost 40% as a result of habitat loss, changing environmental conditions, and illegal hunting.

Spots can be purchased to be placed on Marlyn by Rebecca and Rachel. Parents/Adults can go to African Wildlife Foundation and choose "Classroom Africa Program" in the drop down box. In the Message box, include the name to be put on the spot and the location that the spot will go on Marlyn. A spot on the neck is $75 Cdn, a spot on the body is $25 Cdn and a spot on the leg is $10 Cdn.