SIXTEEN-year-old Pipi–Lotta Kulla has started a fundraising drive to pursue her passion for the environment in one of the last wildernesses.
Cowes Enterprise AS-level student Pipi-Lotta has won one of a coveted ten places on a British Exploring Expedition trek to one of the world’s last untouched natural regions, the Canadian Yukon.
The Ormiston Academy Trust, which runs the college, has agreed to fund two thirds of the cost, leaving Pipi-Lotta to find £1,200.
So far she has raised £200 and her next event to enable her to reach her goal is Cowes Has Talent, a show planned for the school between 7pm and 9pm next Friday, March 31.
That is set to be followed by an art exhibition at her school, bake sales, a sponsored clean-up of some of the Island’s beaches and other events.
British Exploring is an established youth development charity, which promotes adventure activity as a means to personal growth.
Following the lines of their motto 'adventure with purpose’, they go to remote wilderness settings where the explorers — including Pipi-Lotta — carry out important scientific fieldwork that often contributes to wide-reaching projects.
In the Yukon, they will be completing scientific fieldwork for the Yukon College’s climate change project.
"I am looking to pursue biology or zoology at university in the hope of contributing to environmental preservation on a global scale and feel the scientific element of this trip will allow me to confirm my interests and set a good foundation for my future," she said.
"The competition may say 'Cowes’ has talent but it is open to people from all parts of the Island.
"There are surprise prizes for first, second and third places, so plenty is up for grabs.
"People of all age groups, young and older, presenting any type of talent, are all welcome to participate for £1 per person. My history teacher has even signed-up.
"Anyone who would like to come to watch the show is also very welcome.
"Tickets can be bought on the door for £2."
l Entries can be e-mailed to Pipi.Kulla11@cowesenterprisecollege.org.uk
Pipi-Lotta’s fundraising page is www.gofundme.com/pipis-trip-to-the-yukon-canada

Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk