On Friday night, a group of high profile individuals including Sibusiso Vilane, Dominic Ntsele (CEO of Classic FM) and South African Rugby Legends – David von Hoesslin, Attie van der Linde and Dean Hall, gathered in the spirit of conservation at the Montecasino Ballroom for the Johannesburg leg of the “Earth Night” series.
Earth Night is a fundraising event concept pioneered by Wildlands to make people aware of the conservation efforts of around 8000 community members, in over 100 communities across South Africa. In addition to Earth Night, Wildlands also hosts “Wild Series” endurance sports events, dedicated to the cause of conservation.
At the event, Old Mutual announced its sponsorship partnership with Wildlands. Said Mokaedi Dilotsotlhe, General Manager of Marketing Old Mutual Emerging Markets, “Old Mutual is proud to be the new title sponsor of the Wild Series endurance events and Wildlands’ Earth Nights. We have a long-standing partnership from many years ago when the Old Mutual Foundation became involved with their community-based Trees for Life project.”
“Old Mutual has always believed in partnerships that support a worthy cause and Wildlands’ initiatives are dedicated to giving back to conservation, protecting our heritage and securing our future. Old Mutual is excited about this partnership as it strongly resonates with our philosophy to do business responsibly, giving back to the communities where we operate and to focus on sustainability.”
Activities throughout the evening included an auction of 24 lots by well-known auctioneer Ian Wyles, consisting of travel packages to glamorous destinations, art pieces and unique conservation experiences. There was entertainment from Lelo, who performs on the television programme “Strictly Come Dancing”, as well as an inspirational speech by celebrity, expedition guide and mountaineer – Sibusiso Vilane. Vilane is also an ambassador for the Wildlands cause, specifically around their rhino focused projects. A highlight of the evening was when a ¾ life size rhino sculpture, endorsed and inspired by Sibusiso, was auctioned off to loyal and long standing donor – Rand Merchant Bank.
Other popular auction items included 3 mini rhino sculptures, all donated and decorated by local artists namely, Giorgio Trobec, Margie Kaufmann and Christelle Pretorius. In total, the event raised R 329 000 through pledges and the auction.
Said Dr Andrew Venter, CEO of Wildlands, “Our intention is to ultimately transform the 100 plus communities we currently work in, into benchmark sustainable communities. This is a seriously big task given poverty population pressures and environmental degradation, but with our determination and the amazing support of donors such as Old Mutual – our vision is possible.”
The next Earth Night experience will be held at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban on the 12th of September.
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)