CARLA Geyser, a Durban North resident, beamed with passion, optimism and dedication when she recently spoke to the Northglen News about her conservation efforts.
In 2012 she started her non-profit organisation (NPO), the Blue Skye Society Trust, after she and a friend took part in the Put Foot Rally, a social adventure that not only involves fundraising, but also hands-on charity work. “I have always loved animals, and my dream has always been to join Green Peace. But, that rally truly reaffirmed my dreams, and I knew I wanted to do more,” said Geyser.
A year later she launched the One in a Million campaign, which urges people to donate R10 towards wildlife conservation. The money will be used to fund surveillance teams, micro-chipping and collars for endangered animals, camera traps and equipment needed for anti-poaching efforts as well as other projects.
“Initially it was aimed at raising funds against rhino poaching, but I realised that so many other wildlife, such the elephants and rhino also needed help. In 2013 over 1 000 rhino were poached, with predictions of close to 30 000 elephants losing their lives, and with lion numbers rapidly diminishing due to canned-hunting our majestic animals are in huge danger,” added Geyser.
While wildlife and conservation is the focus of the campaign, Geyser added that the funds raised by the project will be funnelled where ever help was needed in Africa. “There are many people and communities who desperately need aid, and we cannot turn a blind eye,” she explained. According to Geyser the idea behind the project is to get one million people passionate and involved in conservation.
By donating the people become part of the ‘One in a Million’ generation. People who are unable to contribute financially can also assist by volunteering their time or by spreading the word.
A current key beneficiary of the project is the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation’s Rhino Orphanage, which aims to rescue, rehabilitate and release injured and abandoned rhinos. The humble philanthropist said that she was overwhelmed by the support.
“Some of the most amazing people have come into my life since I began this venture, and the media’s support has also been unbelievable.
At the end of the day I am just and ordinary person trying to make a difference, and even if I can inspire one person I will have reached by goal. But I firmly believe that if you are passionate about something you can do anything,” she said.
To date Geyser’s efforts have raised more than R110 000.
