CROW launches its 2024 calendars

The Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) launched its highly sought-after calendar recently. The calendar is sold in aid of much-needed funds for the organisation.

Titled “Dawn to Dusk” this 2024 calendar is produced in partnership with Compass Cares, the CSI division of Compass Medical Waste Services. It features a collection of breath-taking photographs of South African wild animals threatened by habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change. Well-known wildlife photographers Calvin Kotze, Hendri Venter, and Jon Warburton, as well as reserve owner, Charl Senekal, and guest photographer Tracey Lund, donated the beautiful images taken at Senekal’s Zimanga Game Reserve in Zululand. The calendar was designed by local designer and photographer Brendan Bromfield.

“In today’s digital world, this calendar is a visual reminder of things that matter,” says CROW’s Operations Director, Clint Halkett-Siddall.

“Besides it being the ideal corporate or personal gift, it is one way the public can support CROW’s work to help injured, orphaned, or displaced wild animals and give them a chance to live a free life back in the wild.”

"This year marks the 15th edition of Compass Medical Waste Services dedication to supporting animal welfare through their calendar initiative. Since its inception, this project has generated over R3 million in funds for the cause of animal welfare."

With the collected funds CROW has been able to buy three vehicles that are used for rescues and releases of wild animals, seven days a week, every day of the year. In 2019, CROW used funds to upgrade the clinic where animals are treated; and in 2020 and 2021 the main monkey enclosures used for rehabilitation were rebuilt. The 2024 “Dusk to Dawn” calendar will help CROW achieve its ambition to go off the grid by using solar power to provide electricity for its entire property in Yellowwood Park, enabling the organisation to save in the long term on debilitating electricity costs.

“We have been overwhelmed by the response to the recent call for financial support,” said Halkett-Siddall at the launch.

“And we would like to thank all who contributed and continue to contribute financially, and in kind, and to the media for getting the word out for us. While we are not entirely out of the woods, we are now not in any immediate crisis, which enables us to go about business as usual in helping wildlife. We are now able to focus on our other fundraising projects and long-term goals like getting the volunteer programme to capacity, developing our income-generating charity shop and indigenous nursery, as well as our vegetable garden to feed the animals. This calendar is one of several fund-raisers we do, and we are hoping this year, we can break some records in selling out all 5 000 copies soon.”

Liverna Naicker, Marketing at Compass Medical Waste Services said they were honoured to be associated with CROW.

“We take immense satisfaction in our on-going partnership with CROW. This is just one way we can express our dedication to aiding those in need, particularly in supporting animal welfare. CROW’S pivotal work in rehabilitating wildlife and facilitating their return to natural habitats is a task that goes beyond the capacity of the average individual. We deeply value their selfless dedication and the irreplaceable services they render."

Ideal as a corporate and personal gift, the 2024 calendar is available in two formats and prices: a standing desk calendar costs R100 and an A2-sized wall calendar costs R200. They are available from CROW at offices 15a Coedmore Avenue, Yellowwood Park as well as several outlets.

Calenders can also be purchased by contacting CROW on 031 4621127 or email info@crowkzn.co.za or visit www.crowkzn.co.za or Compass at compasswasteservices.co.za to place an order.