A cafe, gallery, and pizzeria have raised nearly £40,000 to help “raise awareness for ape conservation.”
Alpine Coffee Shop and Gallery and Hangin’ Pizzeria in Betws-y-Coed railway station have raised funds as part of its owner’s, Jacha Potgieter and his wife Gwyn’s, mission to help endangered apes.
The married couple of 30 years has thanked their staff and customers for their support last month after fundraising for over a year for Ape Action Africa and Orangutan Appeal UK.
The businesses raised funds over 2022 through donations and putting a percentage of their profits towards the two charities supporting both charities for nearly 10 years.
Jacha, who works as an artist and environmental conservationist and has had several exhibitions showcasing his love for animals said: “I’m so proud of the money we have raised this year, the whole team works very hard here at the station in Betws.
“It’s all about raising awareness for ape conservation and bringing people’s attention to an issue they may not know about.
“I always say that if we stand together we can make a difference, and if we can save just one animal it is better than none.”
The owners also thanked their suppliers who make an annual donation to the businesses for the charities.
The money was raised through a percentage of sales, merchandise sales, collection boxes, and coins thrown in the 2 fountains at the station.
Since 2014 Alpine Coffee Shop and Gallery and Hangin’ Pizzeria have raised over £61,000 for Orangutan Appeal UK.
Charity manager for the Orangutan Appeal UK, Adrienne Powell said the businesses’ support has been “valuable.”
She said: “Our business supporters are incredibly valuable to us; they help to increase awareness of our charity to a wider audience and also generate much needed funds. This donation will have a major impact on helping conserve the critically endangered orangutans and their rainforest home.”
