Clayden Botes, 16, is preparing to paint a life-sized horse sculpture, which will be auctioned in August to help Iris House Children's Hospice.
A 16-year-old on the autistic spectrum is using his passion for art to support a good cause.
Clayden Botes, of Kalk Bay, who was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome at the age of 6, will paint a life-sized horse sculpture to raise funds for Iris House Children's Hospice.
"I want this horse to be the most beautiful, colourful, interesting, and unique horse in South Africa, if not the world," Clayden said. “I'm just going to let my heart lead me on this project."
The non-profit Iris House was established in 2011, by Sue van der Linde, to support special-needs children with life-limiting and or life-threatening conditions and their families. Equine therapy, aqua therapy and adaptive surfing are some of the free support services it offers.
Ms Van der Linde came across Clayden's Facebook page and found his work fascinating.
“He is an extremely talented young man, and being autistic made his art even more special,” she said.
"I'm over the moon to have his support for the project. It's going to make an amazing one-of-a-kind auction piece for our Purple Ball on Saturday August 31.“
Because of state budget cuts, the funds raised at the auction would be greatly appreciated, she said.
"Iris House has been hit extremely hard hit by the budget cuts. We had to undergo a painful retrenchment in January and have lost over R380 000 in funding," Ms Van der Linde said.
Clayden has asked the public to donate paint for his project, which he expects to complete in the next two months.
"Paint is a significant expense, and we're covering all the costs ourselves. My mom bought a few tubes of paints, and it cost R1500, and it's not even close to enough," he said. “I'm grateful for any help we can get.”
The paint Clayden favours shares the name "Iris" with the hospice, and he has asked those willing to help to buy that specific brand.
Clayden is also asking people to suggest names for the horse.
"I'm good at painting, not so good at thinking of names so hit me with suggestions."
He added: “I've been given many opportunities because my mom looked beyond the label of autism. She allowed me to grow into myself and focus on what I can do, rather than what I can't. Now, I'm incredibly blessed to have this chance to give back.”
His mother, Antoinette Botes, said she was very proud and happy to see his hard work paying off.
“Sometimes, it's tough to witness how much time and effort he puts into what he loves without getting recognition. But when it finally happens, there's no better feeling.”
For more information about Clayden's project or if you would like to donate, call 076 272 4788.
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