Various city organisations teamed up on July 10 to clean up and upgrade Chimp Eden. Among the volunteers were the Ms and Mrs Mpumalanga 2026 finalists.

Everyone, donning white overalls, got to work early in the morning, while other participants had already been hard at work since the beginning of the week. The effort, organised by Christopher de Bruno Austin from Chrisant Detailing, included painting buildings, repairing staff quarters, and aesthetic improvements such as new signage and water features. Volunteers from the Bread of Life Ministry Rehabilitation Centre in Sabie also assisted.

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Sponsors back restoration effort

The project was sponsored by Nelspruit Lodge, BUCO, Lush Life, Geyer Construction, and Irving Plumbers.
Chimp Eden executive officer Gary Deiner expressed his gratitude, stating that all contributors played a vital role in restoring the sanctuary to its full glory. Chimp Eden is a non-profit organisation that is dependent on donors, volunteers, and public support to continue operating.

In the words of the late Jane Goodall, founder of the sanctuary, “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.”

Everyone involved in the restoration project is living out her words, showing that even the smallest efforts can make a significant difference.

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