WILDTRUST, a leading South African non-profit working in conservation, recently received a major cash injection of R785 613 from Mr Price Sport.

Marking another milestone in their growing partnership focused on ocean protection, the funds will be directed towards supporting the work of WILDOCEANS, a WILDTRUST programme dedicated to safeguarding marine ecosystems throughout the Western Indian Ocean.

WILDTRUST’s director of campaigns and communications, Lauren van Nijkerk, said that the donation will significantly strengthen WILDOCEANS’ conservation efforts. WILDOCEANS’ work includes scientific research, community development, and expanding marine protected areas, critical efforts at a time when ocean health is increasingly threatened.

“As a programme of the WILDTRUST, WILDOCEANS champions inclusive, locally rooted solutions that conserve and restore ocean species and ecosystems … Through strong science, strategic partnerships, and inclusive community development, WILDOCEANS delivers locally led, globally significant impact,” she said.

Also Read: Our South African oceans need protection – not just on World Oceans Day

Mr Price Sport brand manager Bianca Friedman said the company and WILDOCEANS have collaborated since 2019, creating a conservation-focused apparel range that blends fashion with purpose. Over the years, this initiative has strengthened public awareness and provided tangible support for on-the-ground projects.

“At Mr Price Sport, supporting WILDOCEANS is about more than corporate responsibility, it’s about protecting the environments where South Africans live, play, and stay active,” said Friedman. “Healthy oceans shape our communities, our coastline, and the sports and outdoor experiences we all value … When business and conservation work together, the impact is bigger, more sustainable, and far more powerful for future generations.”

Van Nijkerk added that the retailer’s consistent, hands-on support sets the partnership apart. “What I love about the Mr Price Sport team is that they ‘walk the talk’ … ‘Thank you’ just doesn’t seem to cut it, when a donor like this is helping us conserve, restore and safeguard our beautiful ocean and all that call it home,” she said.

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