WITH a great love for South Africa, and an even greater passion for saving the rhino from the threat of extinction, a New Zealand businessman is making a significant financial contribution to the cause.
Peter Eastwood, an Auckland resident, was feted at Shakaland near eShowe on Saturday evening when he and his team connected with other major role players in the fight against rhino poaching for yet another project in which he is a major force.
Planning the first ever World Youth Rhino Summit, to be held on 21-23 September at the Centenary Centre in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, Eastwood handed over a pledge certificate for R250 000 to summit conveners, the Kingsley Holgate Foundation and Project Rhino.
The money was generated from Eastwood’s ‘Imake a Difference’ charitable fund, name after his business, Imake Ltd.
A regular visitor to this country, Eastwood – who has given financial support to a number of other rhino projects – enjoyed the Shakaland cultural experience with his touring group, media and many others involved in rhino preservation.
The aim of the World Youth Rhino summit is to mobilise a critical mass of support among the young of South Africa and other African countries, to drive informed global awareness and action.
Some 130 youths in the 15-17 age group will attend the summit, where they will not only be informed but also armed with the knowledge to spread the word about poaching and conservation.
In addition, they will be given duties and projects to perform in classrooms and communities to ensure the long-term objectives.
