Land Rover and Kingsley Holgate continue to help thousands
In 2014 the partnership between Land Rover South Africa and the Kingsley Holgate Foundation continued its mission of bringing a better quality of life to people across the African continent.
Known for helping to improve and save lives through his adventures across Africa, Land Rover ambassador Kingsley Holgate, visited nine countries in 2014, delivering basic supplies to benefit more than 60 000 people. During the year he dispensed thirst-quenching LifeStraws, sight-saving reading glasses, and mosquito-repelling nets to combat malaria.
Last year Kingsley delivered 4 279 LifeStraws® – simple water purifiers that can filter up to 1 000 litres of water. By simply using a LifeStraw® to sip water from any water source, thousands of people now have access to more than 4 million litres of water that is safe to drink.
Kingsley also aided those who struggle to see. Thousands across Africa do not have access to basic healthcare, not to mention specialist care for non-threatening ailments such as deteriorating eyesight. In 2014, 8 350 people were given the gift of rejuvenated eyesight in the form of a pair of reading glasses, thanks to the Rite to Sight initiative. Be it for maintaining their livelihoods or simply reading, thousands of people in communities across nine countries can now see more clearly.
Another important, life-saving initiative undertaken by Kingsley is the distribution of mosquito nets in regions affected by malaria. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 2014 saw more than 584 000 people – mostly children – dying of malaria, a number that has come down from nearly 1-million deaths in previous years. This can be attributed to the 75% reduction in malaria rates when nets are used correctly.
In 2014 Kingsley was responsible for handing out 17 083 mosquito nets – providing protection to an estimated 51 000 people in villages and towns across Africa, helping stem the spread of this deadly disease.
This year the Kingsley Holgate Foundation, in partnership with Land Rover, will build on the successes of 2014 to reach even more people. Those living in lesser-known villages across Africa will benefit from the foundation’s quest to save and improve lives.