 0 to 65 in 65 Days!
That’s the name of the biggest challenge BOS Australia has taken on yet!
We are aiming to raise $65,000 in just 65 days to pay for the planning and implementation of a release site in Tunggul Pemenang in Central Kalimantan. As you know, BOS Australia supports our Indonesian counterpart, The BOS Foundation, which is committed to securing safe release sites for Orangutans where they can live in freedom and security. Donate now
The BOS Foundation is responsible for 4,000 Orangutans in Kalimantan – which is around 10% of the remaining population. Over the next 12 to 18 months they plan to release between 75 and 100 Orangutans from the sanctuaries at Nyaru Menteng and Samboja Lestari into safe forest areas that the Foundation has secured for the next 95 years under concession from the Indonesian Directorate General of Forestry.
What the money will achieve
The release sites are a GREAT step forward. The $65,000 we are seeking to raise in Australia will go directly towards preparing one of those sites – Tunggul Pemenang.
This 112,000 hectare site will eventually become home to more than 200 Orangutans from one of the main care centres we support at Nyaru Menteng. The planning stage (which the money will fund) is vital for, without it, the site cannot be properly prepared and made safe for its new occupants.
We are aware that you already give generously in lots of ways.
But this is a first for BOS Australia and really needs support. It’s the initial step in a new approach to directly provide funds to The BOS Foundation which is spearheading the release program. As such, it represents a very important, forward-looking step for the orangutans.
But haven’t there been release programs before?
Yes. But, so far, in the ten years that the various rehabilitation programs have been in existence, attempts to set Orangutans free have been beset with problems. Not because they weren’t ready to leave the sanctuaries but simply because there were no safe places for them to go.
That’s changing. Through our support for The BOS Foundation we are committed to ensuring that the release sites are suitable and safe homes for the Orangutans by undertaking essential planning and development.
Hence the importance of this fundraising appeal.
There are lots of ways to get involved – and not all of them need $$$!
Here are some ideas:
• Tell your friends and family or work colleagues . There is so much bad news around about orangutans – but the release program is something positive to talk about. And the more people who know about it the easier it will be to raise the funds.
• You can share the load! Ask friends and family to join you in raising units of $58 to cover the planning cost of 100 hectare lots. Can your group raise the funds for 100 hectares (that’s $58), 200 ($116) or even 500 hectares ($290) by joining forces to raise the money? You can make the donation here.
• How about selling slices of cake for a $1 or $2 during the coffee break at work, or holding a raffle? We can help you there if you’re quick! We have 5 orangutan toys to give away as raffle prizes! Email us at fundraising@orangutans.com.au with your name, postal address and phone number and we’ll send you a toy to raffle. Our only request is that you hold the raffle within our ’60 days’ i.e. before 26 July 2010.
• Purchase one of our special Cards for a Cause for $25. Click here. If you have a birthday coming up why not suggest that as a gift?
• Print off the posters/flyers below and display them in your school, workplace, business or local cafe or Vet's clinic.
• Make a tax free donation. The end of the tax year is coming up so now’s a great time to donate as all donations over $2 are tax free. Click here to make the donation online or mail it to BOS Australia at PO Box 3916, Mosman, NSW 2088.
So you see there is lots you can do and we would love your help to get this project off the ground as fast as possible. You can follow progress by checking into the BOS Australia home page every so often for updates.
If you have any questions or ideas about ways to raise funds do let us know. You can contact us on fundraising@orangutans.com.au
Meanwhile, thank you! We couldn’t do this without you.
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