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22nd September is World Rhino Day.
To show our support we have recruited Steve Newman, the sexy-naked-rhino guy, to help raise funds for rhinos. Steve will have a donation bucket - ready to receive your kind donations.
He has graciously given his clothes away in hopes that you can see the gift in giving.
Are you a giver?
At ERA 71 Loop Street, Cape Town
6th October 2016
19h00
Just Steve Newman
Prepared by Jonathan Inggs
on behalf of Steve Newman
Introduction
The plight of the Rhino is a global war. It is a war against ignorance and outdated philosophy, but most significantly, it is an economic war. Economic in the sense that public and local governments via limited resources and limited measures have ensured that the poaching of Rhino requires a great deal of capital: Rhino poaching has come to utilize highly skilled individuals with sophisticated means to ensure the ongoing slaughter, and ultimately great financial reward for willing markets. Official figures put the poaching of Rhino in South Africa at over 1100 animals in 2013 alone, with the African Black Rhino been declared officially extinct.
It is to be noted that due to local government corruption and the existence of extreme poverty in Sub Saharan Africa, easy access and protection for poaching syndicates remains the norm. It is only through the efforts of civil action groups, private wildlife conservancy practices and advocacy groups that the tide is slowed. Many NGO’s, charities (a good many charlatans) and the will of individuals has the plight of the Rhino been championed. But as with most initiatives, they require funding. They require the will of not only civil society, but that of the private sector. It is against this backdrop that we outline this proposal.
Steve Newman - “The Who”
Steve in his words:
“Allow me to introduce myself, I am the naked skydiver/ Just Steve Newman - an adrenaline junkie with a deep set desire to do good things for those that are unable to do it themselves. Furthermore, I am a passionate South African, nature lover, socialiser and radical – in other words, I don’t do things in half measures.
The recent Rhino related horror stories have had an impact on everyone I know, and been the cause of plenty sleepless nights. I am believer in participation – I don’t sit back and dwell on the “what if’s” – I believe in being part of the change, and so I made a decision to put myself “out-there”, quite literally, to raise funds for Project Rhino KZN and the African Conservation Trust.
Project Rhino KZN is a Pietermaritzburg based NGO whom have an ambitious yet achievable goal to raise R10million for Rhino conservation and protection in South Africa in 2013. Key anti-poaching needs that will benefit include training anti-poaching teams in advanced skills, provision of specialised equipment for anti-poaching teams and extending aerial surveillance support to a wider range of rhino-bearing reserves. Interventions that include education, awareness and job creation in rural communities close to game reserves will also be supported.
I started out skydiving and from there everything spiraled out of control from the Red Bull Lion Heart event Red Bull Flugtag, Pick n Pay Cape Argus, 2Oceans marathon and Spoofing the camera (youtube) to name a few and have heaps of events lined up for this year and next. I am also trying to align with brands to support what i am trying to achieve to make a difference in corporate world.
I am only one person but I am hoping to make a real difference or at least be the start of a movement of people who do things instead of just saying they will, And with the doing I hope my super passionate self comes through to inspire others.”
Steve Newman is just an average, concerned citizen. He is an average citizen with an exceptional amount of compassion. Over the last two years he has embarked on a crusade to help shape and aid the plight of the Rhino in Africa.
This native son of Cape Town, happened to chance on an opportunity that was to propel him into the public spotlight, not simply by design, but by the will to make a difference about something he is deeply passionate, namely, the plight of the Rhino and conservation in South Africa. What started out as a “dare” to skydive naked, has become a lifestyle orientated, emerging brand that enjoys household recognition amongst a broad demographic of the local and international consciousness.
It is to be noted that all Steve has achieved has been through the generous contribution of time, money and skill by various members of the public and the private sector. Steve himself has a full time job and has to constantly juggle the demands of his charity work against the demands of employment. Whilst his employers have been nothing but amazing in their support of his charity work, it has come to the point where he has to make a choice- to pursue his passion full time, or in a limited capacity.
Steve enjoys fantastic media coverage and support, mainly in the “lifestyle” category. It is through his constant activism that he seeks the support of corporates in order to continue his brave fight.
Many thanks,
Steve and Jon.
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