Adopt, So Our Rhino Don’t Die!

Here is your chance to help save the rhino!

The Adopt So Our Rhino Don’t Die campaign was recently launched , and has SANParks, Bavaria 0.0% and South Africa’s Big 5 Retailers (Woolworths, SPAR, Shoprite Checkers, Massmart and Pick n Pay) cooperating to make a difference in the fight against rhino poaching.

Senior general manager of SANParks fund-raising, Bryn Pyne-James, who initiated the campaign, says that while the idea came from SANParks, Bavaria added the necessary spark to make it happen.

The campaign allows the public to adopt a rhino for R20. Alternatively, you can buy a six-pack of Bavaria 0.0% alcohol, regular or fruit-flavoured malt drinks to get your special barcode, in which case the retailer and Bavaria will each donate R10.

The campaign is the first to carry the official SANParks fund-raising seal.

This means all money will be held in a ring-fenced trust fund that will go directly to rhino anti-poaching activities.

The fund will also be made available to any conservancy that applies for assistance.

Edna Molewa, minister of water and environmental affairs, endorsed the Adopt So Our Rhino Don’t Die campaign by saying, “It is an honour and a plivilege to be standing here on this historic occasion, but i have mixed emotions.

“I am filled ith extreme sadness based on my knowledge of the carnage we are currently facing with this senseless slaughtering of our rhino. On the other hand, I am delighted to know that help is at hand and that at last South Africans across the land will unite to make a difference, and protect the world’s natural heritage for generations to come.”

Stijn Swinkels, family board member of Bavaria Brewery, commented, “The plight of the rhino really touched me. This is about keeping your identity and national pride alive.If we can deploy something as simple as our products reach and accessibility to make people stop and think about this, then I want to stand up for that.”

Ivan Oertle, Woolworths specialist buyer, commented, “We at Woolworths have always believed in doing the right thing and in this case it is collaborating with Bavaria, SANParks and our competitors to bring hope to the worlds last remaining wild rhino population. We urge our customers to support the Adopt So Our Rhino Don’t Die initiative.”

Mark Robinson, group liquor manager, said, “On behalf of the SPAR Group Ltd, I would like to applaud SANParks CEO, Dr David Mabunda, and of course Bavaria 0.0%, For what is undoubtedly and hopefully an initiative that will go a long way in protecting one of our country’s very rare and threatened assets and a part of our heritage.”

“This is a fantastic initiative by Bavaria 0.0%. We are pleased to join other retailers in assisting SANParks to make a difference in the fight against rhino poaching,” added Jonathan Koff, Makro liquor executive, Massmart.

Pyne-James says the aim is to sell 20 million adoptions worldwide. “We encourage everyone to take virtual ownership of a bit of our natural heritage, and in doing so, help us to save the rhino from extinction.”

HOW TO ADOPT YOUR OWN

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     Visit www.sanparks.org and click on the “adopt” button to access the adoption page.

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     Payment can be made by Credit Cardonline, via a R20SMS or by buying a six-pack of Bavaria 0.0% alcohol at any participating Big 5 retailers (Woolworths, SPAR, Shoprite Checkers, Massmart and Pick n Pay). In this case the Big 5 retailers and Bavaria will jointly pay for your adoption. SMS the keyword “Rhino” to 34061. Bavaria and the retailer will pay for the adoption on your behalf. SMS costs R2. A unique will be sent back via SMS for you to verify.

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     Each proud rhino parent receives a personalised adoption certificate via email, which means no money is wasted on packaging, postage or gifts.