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Thank you to PE for supporting One Land Love It

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The Boardwalk has thanked the local public for its support of the One Land Love It (OLLI) campaign, of which The Boardwalk was a proud sponsor. A total of R150 000 was raised through the OLLI expedition in aid of rhino conservation. This month, R70 000 of the money raised has been handed over to the Diamantveld region of SANParks Honorary Rangers at the Mokala National Park near Kimberley. The equipment will be used in the war against rhino poaching.

Brett Hoppé, the General Manager at The Boardwalk, says that the local community’s response to calls to support the campaign was heartening.

“It is through the collaboration of caring companies and individuals that we are able to make a meaningful contribution towards conserving and protecting South Africa’s heritage. It is wonderful to see this campaign come full circle and benefit the deserving and incredibly brave teams who risk their lives to protect our rhinos. We thank everyone in Port Elizabeth who helped to make the donation possible by attending the events or making a donation to the cause.

“Most notably, we commend Wayne Bolton and his family for really going above and beyond to help protect our rhinos. It is people like this, who dare to speak out and step up, that make real changes for the better,” says Hoppé.

The OLLI campaign saw the Port Elizabeth based businessman and intrepid cyclist Wayne Bolton complete a grueling 6 000km cycling trek through South Africa’s 19 national parks to help raise awareness for the plight of Africa’s rhinos. Bolton’s journey on a mountain bike, covering about 100kms per day over a period of two and a half months, was aimed at supporting counter poaching initiatives through support for SANParks, through SANParks Honorary Rangers, and Care for Wild Africa, a rhino orphanage.

The Boardwalk supported the OLLI expedition by helping to sponsor the gala event to launch the expedition and raise funds, as well as the coming home event. Nikki Bolton, wife of Wayne Bolton, says: “Through The Boardwalk’s partnership with OLLI, we are able to assist Mokala National Park outside Kimberley. This park is special in that its main purpose is regeneration and conservation of endangered and protected species including both the black and white rhino.

“Along with very appreciative SANParks Staff and SANParks Honorary Rangers, we handed over the equipment on the 31st of October. As the pressure is exerted on poachers in the typical hot spots they are moving into new, vulnerable areas. Mokala have had rhino poached on neighbouring farms and through OLLI we have now been able to equip them with kit that will assist them in being better prepared.”

In the spirit of #JointCustody 3 generations of the Bolton family were involved in different ways in a journey that spanned the heat of summer. From Bolton starting out sick and temperature peaks of nearly 60ºC resulting in sunstroke and dehydration to long, silent stretches of road and being chased by warthogs and close run ins with trucks and traffic officials, Bolton was resolved to show his commitment.

As Bolton arrived at each park, the Scroll of Unity in Conservation was signed by SANParks Rangers who like many South Africans have committed themselves to doing their part to conserve our natural heritage. In August the Bolton family got together with their sponsors and those who have supported and partnered with OLLI, in handing over the Scroll to John Adendorff (Regional Conservation Manager / EC). The function was sponsored by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, held at The Boardwalk, and hosted by Gareth Burley of Kingfisher FM.

OLLI values the contributions made by these partners who have supported OLLI from its inception and made the expedition and funds raised possible. Mr Adendorff reiterated the gratitude of SANParks management and staff for Wayne’s efforts in improving morale for rangers as well as providing funds for counter poaching equipment. The Scroll can be seen in the Ranger display at the Addo Elephant National Park Interpretive Centre.

According to Bolton, poaching has encroached on new areas and the Eastern Cape and KZN are feeling the brunt of this. Consequently Bolton will be embarking on the OLLI Frontier Rhino Ride in July next year when he will from cycle from Nelson Mandela Bay across the Eastern Cape, through KZN up to the Mozambique border connecting approximately 20 rhino bearing parks (private and national/provincial) that are passionate about conservation.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.