In 2016, Black Rhino Wheels committed to donate a portion of the sale of each wheel, for the entire year, to the Save the Rhino International (SRI) organisation. The company pledged R5 per wheel for the seven months ending 31 July, and R1 per wheel through 31 December, up to 200,000 wheels. By year-end this amounted to a check of £19,418.63 for the London-based charity.
Of this donation, 100% went directly toward funding the efforts of Save the Rhino`s dedicated ranger teams who work tirelessly to protect black and white rhinos in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal.
These teams conduct anti-poaching and rhino monitoring programmes, exercise law enforcement, and conduct aerial surveillance of the combined area of the two game reserves Hluhluwe and iMfololozi – referred to jointly as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
“Black Rhino Wheels` kind donations have helped the dedicated ranger teams in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park on their anti-poaching and monitoring activities, especially as they go on extended patrols to monitor and protect rhinos across the Park. These donations have moreover helped enhance the capacity of the Park`s rangers to respond to poaching incidents,†said SRI`s Partnership Development Manager, Josephine Gibson.
Donations from Black Rhino Wheels have directly purchased the following essential equipment for the rangers:
- 2 x canopy frames for Toyota Landcruisers
- 2 x chainsaws • 112 x tactical torches and mounts
- 20 x sleeping bags for the ranger teams on extended patrols
- 40 x olive green overalls
- 18 x rehydration batteries
“As the Southern African distributor of Black Rhino Wheels, TiAuto Investments – the holding company of TYRES & MORE® – is immensely proud to have played a part in this fundraising, via the marketing and distribution of these exceptional off-road wheels for 4x4s, SUVs and trucks,†said TiAuto Investments Group Marketing Executive, Joe du Plooy. “Conservation is key and so long as the Black Rhino`s status remains ‘critically endangered` and the White Rhino`s status ‘near threatened`, the efforts of SRI and the parks and reserves they work with, are critical to prevent extinction of these magnificent animals.
†Black Rhino wheels can be purchased at TYRES & MORE®, and other leading dealers. For more information visit www.tiauto.co.za. To learn more about or to donate to Save the Rhino (Registered UK Charity no.: 1035072) go to www.savetherhino.org.
