Newsletter 2008
From the Managing Directors Pen;
We have just put another successful year behind us, where we have
experienced wonderful achievements, changes and growth within our
company. These great things would not have been possible had it
not been for the great honour we have had to work with these magnificent
animals for yet another year.
It has been a great privilege for us to have shared our passion
for this animal with many visitors across the globe and to have
played a small roll in educating them about the preservation of
this highly misunderstood animal. We wish to express our thanks
to Government, in particular Marine & Coastal Management, who
has yet again granted us a permit to continue working with these
majestic animals. Due to the companies economical growth, we were
able to create more jobs for historically disadvantaged individuals
from the township of Masakhane and these individuals are currently
being trained to work in the shark diving and viewing industry.
White Shark Ecoventures Research & Educational Trust Fund
In 2005 we established the White Shark Ecoventures Research &
Educational Trust Fund where we raise funds through our tours, in
order to educate the youths of our local community about the great
white shark. Our trust fund has recently donated ethanol gel cooking
stoves to 100 families in the local township of Masakhane and in
addition also donated 100 litres of cooking gel, which is completely
environmental friendly and non toxic.
We have provided funds to start a stove spinning plant in the area,
in order to create more work for these previously disadvantaged
individuals and have trained ladies of the community to become entrepreneurs
by being the suppliers of the gel and stoves to their community.
We are in the process of organizing a soup-kitchen, which will start
running in our winter season. Much needed funds have also been donated
to the local primary school for renovations to their library.
White Shark Ecoventures Soccer Team
We believe that a healthy body stimulates a healthy mind, and therefore
sponsored our own “White Shark Ecoventures Soccer Team”
in the township, in order to uplift the youth who needs to be the
leaders of tomorrow. Our soccer team has excelled and have to date
won majority of their soccer matches against competitors.
Bird Research Programme
We have earmarked funds to be donated to erect a laboratory on
Dyer Island in order to support the bird research programme on the
island, as well as support tests on the birds to combat the outbreak
of various deadly avian viruses.
5 Star PADI Dive Centre
We have a 5 Star PADI Dive Centre in Cape Town for all your diving
needs and last year we were also registered as a PADI Dive Boat Operator.
Other news from the Crew and the Directors
During the past months, our team has transported over 40 oiled
and injured African Penguins from Gansbaai to Cape Town, free of
charge. The birds were cared for at a rehabilitation centre (SANCCOB),
before they were set free again into their natural environment.
We have had the honour of being invited to the “Effects of
Oil on Wildlife” Conference in Monterey, California last year.
Two of our directors attended this conference and gained valuable
information on animal rehabilitation techniques.
Yours sincerely
MARIETTE HOPLEY
Managing Director
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