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Shoppers support rhino conservation

8 May 2014

The MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme has already raised over R1.2m to date for the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) Rhino Fund anti-poaching initiative. This has been made possible by leading South African retailers who have partnered with their customers in rhino conservation and are consistently raising over R100,000 a month towards rhino anti-poaching initiatives.

"Everyone feels powerless in the face of the horrific images and stories about rhino poaching being reported in the news, and the situation is desperate, but the Rhino Fund proves that individuals can make a difference," says Braam Malherbe, conservationist and MyPlanet ambassador.

Partner stores

The funds are raised through the collective support of customers who swipe their cards at a range of partner stores such as Woolworths, Waltons, Toys R Us, Reggie's, kalahari.com and Engen Quickshops. Not one cent comes out of the customer's pocket - they simply swipe their cards as they shop and a portion of their purchase value is given back to the rhino fund on their behalf.

The money raised goes towards reserves and organisations protecting critical rhino populations, providing anti-poaching rangers with equipment, rations, uniforms and operational support, and enabling the purchase of cyber trackers to audit animal populations.

"The EWT MyPlanet Rhino Fund was established in 2011 to raise money for best practice in rhino conservation. From humble beginnings, this fundraising drive is now raising substantial funds every month towards protecting our rhinos. Importantly, all of the money goes directly to saving the animals," says Malherbe.

Donations to institutions

The Fund, which is administered by a panel of independent parties, has already handed over R200,000 to the Save Valley Conservancy to assist its anti-poaching units in protecting its critical black rhino population, and R200,000 to the Oliphants West Conservation Trust to help provide anti-poaching rangers with equipment, rations, uniforms and operational support. An additional R50,000 has been donated to Addo Elephant Park towards the acquisition of cyber trackers to audit the rhino and elephant populations.

"We need to empower more people to make a difference in conservation. Everyone can Do One Thing (DOT) for conservation, such as signing up for a free MyPlanet card and swiping their cards when they shop. Be part of the solution," concludes Malherbe.