Oct 10, 2012
No Comments
At EXPLORE, we are committed to the conservation and support of local communities, particularly in the more remote regions of Africa. In our experience we have found that travel and tourism can be the pivotal tool in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection in the areas in which we do business. Not only do we choose lodges and camps that have the highest standards of ethics, we also work diligently with these partners to create unique educational experiences and perspectives on the local people, culture, and environment. We do not want a person to just be a tourist in Africa, we want them to become an informed and educated traveler who develops a passion for protecting this special place. It is in this spirit that I, along with my husband Richard, formed Direct Impact Africa (DIA), focused on increasing involvement in community and conservation projects in Zambia. At DIA our primary focus is on economic, agricultural, and educational development for the residents of the Chiawa village in the Lower Zambezi river region, which is where we have our African home. We love being involved and witnessing the growth and development within these communities. For me, this is what it’s all about!
With so many ways to contribute the conservation and support of these local communities, we feel extending our philanthropy across boundaries is the most effective way to achieve our goals! We recently became a donor for WITNESS, and international nonprofit organization that utilizes the power of storytelling and video to open the eyes of the world to human rights abuses. This organization, co-founded by Peter Gabriel, is a raw, creative, and cutting-edge way to engage and enlighten people on injustices that take place worldwide. WITNESS captivates millions of people by using the power of video to telling gripping and heartfelt stories about social and political inequities. I encourage you to go to the witness.org site and view these compelling stories, see how these videos can transform personal tragedies into powerful tools that send a clear message.
For their 20th anniversary the Focus for Change benefit this Thursday, October 11th, Peter Gabriel and WITNESS are celebrating 20 years of collaborative activism. They are hosting a high-profile gala teaming with artists, musicians, and activists to raise funds and keep the vision alive. For the live auction, we have teamed up with Singita Game Reserves and the Ellerman House to offer something extraordinary; a 10 day safari with some of the best conservation managers! Singita, synonymous with excellence in the safari experience, and Ellerman house, one of the most elegant and sophisticated accommodations in Cape Town, have so generously volunteered their exceptional services to make this donation possible. On this trip, gain an insider’s perspective and knowledge on what it takes to Protect African wildlife in this outstanding opportunity. You also have a chance to meet with locals, to understand where tourism and conservation fits into and benefits their lives. We are truly grateful to work alongside the best in the industry!
At EXPLORE, supporting these causes continue to be a top priority. We are proud to support WITNESS in their important endeavors, as well as share one of the best conservation-minded safaris out there. This event will celebrate 20 years of changing the world one video at a time. Happy Birthday WITNESS!
Best,
Cherri
To learn more about Witness and their 20th anniversary benefit, visit: http://witness.org/gala
Singita website: http://singita.com/
Ellerman House website: http://www.ellerman.co.za/
Comments are closed at this time.