DIWA ZAMBEZI PRESS RELEASE - MAY 2016

A NIGHT FOR THE ZAMBEZI

They say people don’t take trips, trips take people and the charity organisation Diwa Zambezi is testament to that, redefining tourism to raise awareness for the conservation of wilderness areas in Southern Africa. But before you strap on your hiking boots and pack your favourite khaki pants in the name of conservation, you can do your bit without jumping on a plane at the inaugural cocktail fundraiser on May 20, to help raise funds for the reintroduction of Black Rhino into the Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia.

Founder and Chairman, James Blevin says that Africa's need for tourism coupled with the commonality of travel experiences amongst friends and colleagues was what lead to the development of Diwa Zambezi.  “Diwa Zambezi’s charity lies in it contributing all profits from the tours and the online shop to conservation organisations in Southern Africa. We’ll also aim to host a fundraiser either annually or biennially, depending on need,” Mr Blevin said.

The event will include silent and public auctions, African drummers, art and photography showcases, an anti-poaching drone exhibit courtesy of Scout Aerial Media and Surveillance and a travel exhibit. Brisbane wildlife artist Cory Salmond will be donating a large original Elephant drawing and two limited edition prints to the foundation for auction. Mr Salmond, who has been selected for the third year, to exhibit in the David Shepherd ‘Wildlife Artist of the Year’ 2016 exhibition in London says, “currently poaching on the African continent is rife and there are many deserving projects that need all the support they can get, because it really is heartbreaking to hear of the
devastating effects poaching is having on all wildlife, not only in Africa but around the world.”

The inaugural Cocktail Fundraiser will be held at Lightspace in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley and is proudly sponsored by BDO, Ferguson Cannon Lawyers, Patrick Mavros, Encompass Africa and When Elephant Met Zebra.