Colobus Trust

Category: Marketing | Date: Jan 18 2008 | By: admin

It has been three weeks since our fundraiser was held and we are now ready to announce the final figures.

The two day kitesurfing event was one of the highlights of the festive period and, despite falling in the middle of the election troubles, saw a large number of visitors. With over 300 people turning up for the Hawiian Night.

Everyone at Forty Thieves Beach Bar welcomed us with a great enthusiasm and helped in the redecoration of their bar. With Colobridges hanging from the celing and posters on every available post, it looked great. We set up shop selling our t-shirts, postcards and ethical tradecrafts and were joined by Lalesso an ethical clothing company who make European style clothing out of traditional Kenyan Kangas. This enterprise set up by a Diani resident proved insanely popular and we became clothing merchants for two days!

The kitesurfing was amazing, with international level competitors wowing the crowds, and us, with their speed and gravity defying jumps. All we could do is sit back and watch.

The two days of competing were followed by a Hawiaan Party, the proceeds of which went to The Colobus Trust. This party was huge with many locals and vistors from both up country and abroad enjoying themselves in typical coast fashion.

By the end we were very tired and very happy. The total raised is nearly KSh 200,000 (USD 3000) which is a phenomenal amount. Obviously, this would have never been possible without the help of numerous people. Money raised came from our many areas so there are so many people to thank that we are afraid we can only mention a few. Firstly, to Boris and his team at H20 Xtreme who put the whole event together. Secondly, to everyone at Forty Thieves & Ali Barbours who were of constant help before, throughout and after the event. Thirdly, to the girls at Lalesso, who donated all the profits raised by their sales at the event. And, lastly, we would like to say a big thank you to Lindsey Kennaway. Without her help we would never have achieved what we did. There are also so many others whose names we have not mentioned. Especially those businesses who donated prizes to our raffle. We are sorry we cannot mention you all personally.

Some of the money raised has been spent on maintaining our property here. Unfortunstely we are unable to buy many of the items on our wishlist as the money needs to be saved to secure the trusts future in these difficult time. This is due to the numerous cancellations we have had from our volunteer program, which is where most of our money comes from. So, please if you can support us during this tough period, please, please do.

Thank you all,

Gwili

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