Small kit. Big Difference Orion's Rainforest Mitzvah Project

Hi, my name is Orion Ralston and I am 12 years old and completing my 2nd (and last) year in the Tawonga Bnai Mitzvah program. 

A big part of becoming a Bar Mitzvah is working towards a Mitzvah project that is personal to me and can make a positive impact on the world. "Mitzvah" translates to "commandment" or "good deed" in Hebrew. I decided to do a fundraiser to raise money for something that was very important to me: saving the Rainforest. I learned that Rainforests are important for many reasons, including:

• Climate Change! Rainforests absorb CO2 and release oxygen which helps slow down climate change.

• Water Cycle. Rainforests filter and regulate the flow of water. For example, the Amazon rainforest provides ~17% of the water that flows from rivers into the ocean.

• Biodiversity. Rainforests are very biodiverse, housing 80% of the world's land biodiversity!

• Livelihoods. Over 1.2 billion people in the world depend on the Rainforest for their living and resources.

Next, I thought about how to raise the money. My idea to sell DIY terrarium kits came from my own interest in building terrariums. My slogan for my fundraiser is: "Small kit. Big Difference". I researched different charity organizations and decided on 'Amazon Conservation' because of their mission to Protect Wild Places, Empower People, and put Science & Technology to work. They even use drones to help identify and combat illegal deforestation! I would like others to learn that they can use a hobby or an interest in a bigger way to help make a difference in the world. 

Each DIY kit will go towards purchasing of supplies and the remainder to the non-profit. Shipping cost is additional so if you are not local to me (I'm happy to deliver my kits locally free of charge), a shipping fee will be added.