WORLD RHINO DAY 2011: WOOLWORTHS CUSTOMERS RAISE OVER 700 000 RAND FOR RHINO CONSERVATIONPress Release

21 September 2011

The distressing killing of rhino seem to have captured the attention of South Africans who have voiced strong opposition to their unnecessary slaughter. However, many people still feel helpless, and unable to do something small to make a difference.

Woolworths has made it simple. By buying a “rhino” reusable bag you can raise funds that will contribute to conservation efforts throughout the country and help save the rhinos from extinction. To date, the reusable bags have raised over R700 000.

The bags also provide employment for the machinists at Isikhwama, an enterprise development project supported by Woolworths. The reusable fabric and plastic bags are an alternative to conventional shopping bags and don’t end up in land fill sites or pollute our neighbourhoods.

The video

This short film follows the story of Magrieta, the manager of Isikhwama, who has never seen a rhino before.

The sheer sense of joy and excitement in Magrieta’s eyes when she sees a rhino for the first time is a reminder how easy it is to be disconnected from nature. She reminds us of the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.

This film also emphasizes the value of a small contribution in the fight against rhino poaching. As Magrieta says, “I encourage people to please buy a rhino bag to help protect these beautiful animals. It will make a difference in the world."

World Rhino Day Video

Vimeo - http://www.vimeo.com/29327712

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbvSC_u4bkU

World Rhino Day is on Thursday 22 September. Do one thing differently to help save the rhino from extinction:

1. Buy a “rhino” bag at your nearest Woolworths store. Ten rand from the sale of every bag will go to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) for rhino conservation; and / or

2. Get a MyPlanet card at any Woolworths store or online at www.myplanet.co.za Choose EWT MyPlanet Rhino fund as your beneficiary. Every time you shop at Woolworths, or any of the partners, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to the fund at no cost to you.

This initiative is supported by:

• Woolworths

• World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

• The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT)

• The MyPlanet programme

• Green Renaissance