Woolworths rhinos bags create funds, support community

"The group is proud to be able to support this effort to save the rhino. It is difficult to imagine their absence on Africa's landscape," says Justin Smith, Woolworths Good business journey manager. "We would like to thank all our customers who purchased the rhino bags and supported this initiative. They are still on sale and every bag sold makes a difference."

Anti-poaching units

The funds raised are being used to ensure that much-needed anti-poaching equipment and support can be secured for rangers across the region. This includes binoculars, radios, night-vision gear and bullet-proof armour, as well as rhino-tracking and camping equipment. It also helps provide essential training for anti-poaching units and can be used for emergency veterinary treatments for injured rhino.

Community support

By purchasing these bags, customers are supporting local small scale reusable bag producers like Isikhwama in Cape Town and the Greater Uitenhage Sewing Co-operative in the Eastern Cape; while also helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste that goes to landfill. Isikhwama employs 80 semi-skilled and unskilled people who were previously out of work and produces 20 000 bags for Woolworths every week. It is 25% owned by two women who are also the production supervisors at the factory.

Bag design

Cape Town designers Pitchblack conceived the artwork on the 'rhino bags' bags. The bags call on customers to 'Imagine no rhinos' and present a simple but powerful equation: the 'Big 5 minus the rhino equals the Big 4!'.

Smith concluded, "Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of our business and our partnership with WWF allows the group to help tackle this and a number of other environmental projects. We know our customers care about these issues and expect us to help make a difference in any way we can."

The reusable rhino bags are available for purchase at Woolworths stores for R29.95 each.

For more information go to www.wwf.org.za/act_now/rhino_campaign/