The grandson of Villager Christine Dolby has won the Australia Zoo’s Visionary Wildlife Warrior Award.
Dolby’s grandson, Braden Benz, is a student in Louisa County, Va.
The family of the late Steve Irwin, also known as the “Crocodile Hunter,” chose the recipient. Benz has been invited to attend the Steve Irwin Gala Dinner, in Queensland, Australia, on Nov. 22 to accept his award. This year’s event will commemorate the 10th year of the Australia Zoo Wildlife hospital. The gala dinner, presented by the Australia Zoo, is the major fundraising event for the non-profit charity, Wildlife Warriors. All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go to support the Wildlife hospital.
Benz received a personal letter, via email, from Bindi Irwin, daughter of the wildlife icon.
“I know that you are going to change the world. Being a Wildlife Warrior means to stand up for what you believe in and speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. It means to follow your dreams and always remember that you can make a difference in the world.”
Benz has set up a gofundme account to raise money for his trip:
http://www.gofundme.com/g7kc5o
