In an inspiring twist of fate, Defender’s commitment to nurturing young talent has transcended the sports world and is now making waves in environmental sustainability. Last year, Defender’s initiative not only enabled my son to realise his Rugby World Cup 2023 dreams but also sparked a transformative environmental project. Let’s dive into how this journey unfolded and its ripple effects on our community.
A Dream Come True: Kellan Wild at the Rugby World Cup 2023
In 2023, I entered my son Kellan Wild into the Defenders of Tomorrow Rugby World Cup Mascot Programme sponsored by Land Rover SA. To our immense joy, Kellan was selected among 96 children worldwide for his passion for rugby and dedication to positive change. This opportunity allowed Kellan to travel to France, where he experienced the Rugby World Cup 2023 up close, walking alongside Sia Kolisi at the start of the Ireland Verse South Africa game on September 23rd.
The New World Order: The Birth of the Eco-Warrior School Program
The story didn’t end with Kellan’s unforgettable experience in France. As part of his selection, Kellan received R50,000 to donate to a charity of his choice. This sparked an idea that would go beyond a simple donation.
Kellan and I had many discussions about how best to utilize this generous donation. Our shared vision led to the creation of the Eco-Warrior School Program, an initiative aimed at embedding recycling practices within South African schools. We wanted to create a lasting impact that would educate and empower the next generation to take responsibility for their environment.
With the concept in mind, we partnered with Team Up to Clean Up, a renowned environmental organization, to bring our vision to life. They facilitated the program, ensuring its smooth implementation and sustainability.
Overview of the Eco-Warrior School Program: Planet, People and then Profit
The Eco-Warrior School Program is designed to integrate recycling practices into the daily routines of schools. Here’s how it works:
Recycling Areas: Schools are equipped with designated recycling areas to sort and collect waste. The recycling area is funded by the eco warrior school program.
Financial Incentives: Schools earn cash rewards based on the volume of recyclables collected, providing a financial boost and encouraging ongoing participation.
Support for Local Waste Centers: Collected recyclables are sold to local waste centers, supporting the local recycling industry and economy.
Program Funding: The program ensures sustainable growth by allocating a percentage of the income generated by participating schools into an interest-bearing account. This reinvestment allows Team Up to Clean Up to install recycling areas at additional schools at no cost to them.
The program not only promotes environmental sustainability but also supports local economies and provides financial benefits to schools. By educating the younger generation on waste management and recycling, we aim to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and significantly reduce community waste.
The New World Order – Planet, People and then Profit
As the founder of Blog About Business, I am committed to developing innovative programs that support both businesses and the planet. The Eco-Warrior School Program exemplifies this approach. Through strategic planning, partnership building, and a clear vision, we turned a simple donation into a sustainable initiative with far-reaching impacts.
By aligning business goals with environmental sustainability, we can create initiatives that benefit the community and the planet. The success of the Eco-Warrior School Program is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and commitment to making a difference.
Changing the System One Idea at a Time
The journey from Kellan’s Rugby World Cup experience to the establishment of the Eco-Warrior School Program illustrates how a single idea can spark systemic change. Defender’s support for Kellan not only helped him realise his dreams but also ignited a movement towards a more sustainable future. This initiative exemplifies how sports, philanthropy, and business development can intersect to create lasting impacts beyond the playing field.
As we celebrate the achievements of my young environmental champion, let’s also recognize the power of imagination and dedication in shaping a better world. The New World Order isn’t just about grand visions; it’s about taking meaningful actions that drive real change.
Thank you to Land Rover Defender SA and Team Up to Clean Up for facilitating this dream. Both Kellan and I are thrilled to see South African schools making recycling a greater focus and priority.