The Mazda Wildlife Fund together with the Mazda Dealer Network demonstrated their support in the fight against rhino poaching by donating a Mazda BT-50 as a prize in Primedia’s call to raise funds for the SANParks’ Honorary Rangers.
The Mazda Wildlife Fund currently supports 29 non-government and non-profit organization projects covering every aspect of conservation, research and environmental education. “While we support a number of important initiatives the recent increase in rhino poaching is extremely worrying and we felt it important to support this cause as much as possible," says Ivan Hartley, Chairman of Dealer Council.
The Honorary Rangers Organisation is a volunteer programme that aims to combat poaching in Southern Africa.
The majority of rhino in South Africa are in the care of the South African National Parks, with around 12 000 white rhino and 600 black rhino residing in the Kruger National Park. Rhino poaching has drastically increased in South Africa in the past three years rising from approximately 10 cases in 2007 to a frightening 120 cases in 2009. This year nearly 300 cases of rhino poaching have been recorded to date.
The Honorary Rangers who act in support of SANParks have a dedicated counter poaching section, which specialises in raising funds and support for SANParks counter poaching activities. With a great deal of poaching activity in the park taking place after dark, special equipment is required for the reaction teams to be able to act effectively.
SANParks identified the need for highly specialized night vision goggles supported by infrared lighting and firearm aiming capability for each member of the reaction teams. At a cost of around R 1,6 million to equip four teams with four members per team the Honorary Rangers needed as much assistance as possible to raise the funds.
The Mazda Dealer Network were quick to assist and offered a Mazda BT-50 Double Cab 4x4 worth approximately R450 000 as first prize in Primedia’s ‘Own the Night’ promotion.
A special raffle took place with Primedia selling 2000 tickets at R1 000 per ticket to raise the required funds for the Honorary Rangers.
Listeners were eager to assist and the winner, Mr CJ Reddy, was announced live on 702 during the John Robbie Show on Friday, 3 December 2010. Mr. CJ Reddy took delivery of his brand new Mazda BT-50 on Wednesday 8 December.
“The consequences of rhino poaching are proving devastating, however the new equipment that the Honorary Rangers will now be able to purchase will significantly aid them in their efforts. I would like to thank the Mazda Dealer Network for supporting this worthy cause,” added Hartley.
The Mazda Wildlife Fund this year celebrated its 20th anniversary. Launched in April 1990, Mazda has invested over R26 million into the Fund over the past 20 years with a further investment of R1,5 million per annum earmarked to contribute towards a multitude of scientific endeavours in critical areas such as education, conservation and research.
STORY BY MAZDA
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