EXTENDING THE OLIVE BRANCH FOR NATURE: NOAH AND JUDE'S ELSTERNWICK OLIVES

When we last caught up with Noah in 2022 (then aged 10), he had become greatly concerned about the threats facing sea turtles. In an incredible fundraising effort, Noah created his own turtle-themed Christmas cards and raised over $1,000 for WWF-Australia.

In 2023, inspired by his older brother Noah’s turtle fundraising success, Jude, aged 9, decided to take on a project of his own. After doing his research, Jude chose to raise funds for koalas, another beloved but threatened species in Australia. He began by picking olives from the trees in their yard and learning how to cure them with combinations of bay leaves, rosemary, lemon and thyme. After six months of curing, the olives were martini-ready and ripe for selling!

Noah and Jude bottled up their delicious creations and designed their own jar labels, proudly named “Elsternwick Olives”. Jude even contributed his pocket money to have the labels printed and made a poster to document his research and assist with fundraising.

With their delicious jars of marinated olives ready, the boys hit the streets once again to raise money for Aussie animals in need. Jude’s efforts paid off, and he was able to raise an amazing $500 for koala conservation!

Fast forward to 2024, and our favourite fundraising superstar brothers were at it again. Using olives picked from their yard, Noah cured and marinated a new batch of “Elsternwick Olives”. They received pre-orders from family and friends, and their olives sold out in just one day! Inspired by WWF-Australia's Dr Kita Ashman’s talk on greater gliders that the boys attended earlier in the year, Noah and Jude decided to dedicate their fundraising efforts to the vital work of protecting glider habitats.

Jude created a “Save the Greater Glider” poster and, together with Noah, shared their knowledge about gliders with anyone who asked. They explained how the funds raised could be used for nesting sites for gliders and other endangered animals. As of 7 September, they have already raised over $500!

Noah and Jude’s dedication and hard work are truly inspiring. Not only are they raising vital funds for our amazing native animals, but they’re also doing something far more powerful: having conversations with their community about our endangered wildlife and creating a whole new generation of nature warriors. Here’s to these young superstars and their continued impact for nature!

Stay tuned - Noah and Jude have another batch of Elsternwick Olives underway!

Feeling inspired by Noah & Jude’s story? Start your own fundraiser to protect our precious wildlife today!