Though they haven’t even existed an entire decade, siblings Carter and Olivia Ries have accomplished more than some will in a lifetime.
Carter, 9, and Olivia, 7, are the founders of One More Generation, also known as OMG, a nonprofit with a mission to preserve endangered species.
“We don’t want any animals to be extinct because it’s really sad,” Olivia said. “The animal is there for a reason,” Carter added.
The pint-size animal activists were recognized last week for their good deeds through Nestle’s Drumstick Heroes contest, and enjoyed an ice cream party with their classmates at Fayette Montessori School.
Their father, Jim Ries, said their interest in animals started early, as the children adopted cheetahs in South Africa in an effort to help the species survive. But soon, the pair yearned to do more. Ries said he and his wife jokingly suggested they start a company – and the children agreed.
After ensuring they were serious about preservation efforts, One More Generation was created in late 2009 and gained nonprofit status in May 2010.
Since its inception, Carter and Olivia have spoken to their peers around metro Atlanta during educational outreaches, have collected animal rescue supplies for animals affected by the Gulf oil spill, traveled to the Gulf to work with rescued sea turtles and hosted an OMG Day at school, among many other activities.
“The school has really been helpful with this whole thing ever since we approached them … all the kids have brought in dollars and pennies and quarters every chance they have to help out as well,” Ries said.
Their primary local initiative is to raise awareness of rattlesnake round-ups, for which dead rattlesnakes are collected. Two counties in Georgia still host such events, which draw hundreds.
“Most people say ‘Who cares about rattlesnakes? They’re venomous,’ but the reality of it is, these rattlesnake round-ups are depleting the inventory that we have on rattlesnakes here in the state of Georgia,” Ries said.
They don’t want to stop such events all together; instead, the organization hopes to turn it into a celebration of the species. Thus far, they have collected 1,100 signatures and hope to have legislative language changed to protect rattlesnakes.
Information: www.onemoregeneration.org.