Century 21 charges ahead with Save the Rhino International campaign
Category General News
Rhinos matter. They play a crucial role in ecosystems, shape the land they roam through, and support thousands of tourism jobs with their iconic "Big Five" status. In an effort to ensure future generations enjoy the presence of these majestic creatures, Century 21 South Africa took an active role in the fight against rhino poaching.
From March 2020, the real estate leader partnered with Save the Rhino International, a rhino conservation charity. Here's an update on the campaign which has united its SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™ property professionals across the country.
About the Save the Rhino International campaign
While rhino poaching numbers are declining, rhinos remain endangered. The Kruger National Park alone lost 70% of its rhinos in 10 years. As a stakeholder in the country's heritage, Century 21 South Africa launched an exciting fundraising and brand awareness campaign. Century 21 South Africa's National Marketing Manager, Dylan Prentis, says the initiative was a natural fit.
"Century 21 South Africa chose to partner with Save the Rhino International to make a difference in the world and to wildlife. Our aim was to help a cause that - even though they have tough skin and a horn - are still very vulnerable to poaching, drought, and habitat loss."
Save the Rhino International's Partnership Manager, Michaela Butorova, says the campaign with Century 21 South Africa is helping to create a world where people and rhinos can thrive.
"With increasing human population, climate change, and substantial degradation of three-quarters of the Earth's land surface, we need to inspire more people to join our mission. Our partnership with Century 21 South Africa has been vital. It enables us to make a positive impact for rhinos, their habitat, and our shared home on this planet."
Impact of the Save the Rhino International campaign
To aid rhino conservation, Century 21 South Africa is donating €10 000 to Save the Rhino International. According to Prentis, Century 21 South Africa will be releasing a video of the donation handover on their social media platforms in April. The intention is to create even more awareness for the campaign and help encourage further donations for Save the Rhino International.
The funding will be crucial to support Save the Rhino International's efforts. It will be used to counter the threats of poaching and habitat loss, and direct funds to the people and places delivering the greatest change for rhinos.
Butorova says this can include buying uniforms, boots, and equipment for the rangers that protect rhinos from poaching every day. It can go towards covering the costs of emergency veterinary treatment for injured rhinos or working with communities to achieve sustainable environmental change and reduce illegal wildlife trafficking.
"Whether it's to purchase a kit for rangers or to tackle illegal wildlife markets, Century 21 South Africa's donation is contributing to the protection of all five rhino species," points out Butorova.
Beyond the funding, the campaign has provided brand awareness for Save the Rhino International. Century 21 South Africa has ensured rhino poaching remains top of mind by promoting the campaign on its blog, social media platforms, and amongst its agents, franchisees, and clients.
"We have had a very good response from our agents," says Prentis. "They have embraced the campaign and have taken it upon themselves to do their own bit in saving the rhino; some agents have run rhino conservation awareness initiatives in their farming areas while others have gone as far as to buy rhino statues and are using them in their offices to remind themselves and their clients of the good we are trying to do."
Butorova says the campaign has been a success and has enjoyed working with Century 21 South Africa's passionate team of agents.
"Their energy to raise funds and support South Africa's most iconic animal, the rhino, has been relentless. Despite the impact of the global pandemic, our partnership has engaged thousands of people across South Africa with the message of the importance of protecting rhinos and stopping the illegal wildlife trade.
"Our rangers have even been recognised as heroes and the campaign encouraged everyone to walk the frontline with them: to be stronger together."
Future of the Save the Rhino International campaign
Century 21 South Africa has proudly extended the partnership with Save the Rhino International for another five years. The real estate leader will continue to use its platforms to give voice to the organisation's conservation crusade. Century 21 South Africa is also looking at a potential further sponsorship for Save the Rhino International on a smaller level. With COVID-19 still looming, Butorova and her team will need all the help they can get to keep on fighting the good fight.
Get involved in rhino conservation
Collaboration is at the heart of how Save the Rhino International works. Rhino conservation is complex, and almost all good conservation projects involve a range of expert partners like Century 21 South Africa. Butorova says teamwork makes all the difference.
"In the past few years, poaching has declined, and together, we can continue to drive poaching down to zero, and bring rhinos back from the edge of extinction. We need everyone who cares about keeping rhinos safe to join us and help us make a difference. Please visit savetherhino.org to find out more about the ways you can get involved."
ABOUT CENTURY 21 SOUTH AFRICA
Century 21 South Africa is the country's leading real estate company. Their SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™ property professionals help clients through every step of the buying, renting, or selling process. Since 2006, they've maintained a brand with high-end appeal using professional aesthetics, tools, and quality services.
ABOUT SAVE THE RHINO INTERNATIONAL
Save the Rhino International's vision is to see all five rhino species thriving in the wild for future generations. Save the Rhino International is a UK registered charity, number 1035072. www.savetherhino.org
Author: Century 21 South Africa
