A safe passage home

In recent years, increasing conflicts with farmers and shortages of food and water have led the Botswanan government to repatriate thousands of the massive mammals back over the border.

Under the guidance of wildlife management experts, authorities have removed kilometers of fence line, creating wildlife corridors to allow the elephants to naturally migrate back to the prime habitat of southern Angola. Keen to bolster their paltry wildlife numbers, Angolan authorities are removing landmines left behind after decades of conflict.

Walking a fine line

AGS Botswana branch manager Vincent Pilpre is familiar with the giants’ destructive habits, but says they also have a positive effect on the environment: “By destroying vegetation, they make pathways that allow access for other animals,” he explains. “Elephant dung is also an excellent fertilizer, rich in nutrients for germinating seeds that go on to create new habitats.”

The elephants also play a big role in tourism, a sector that employs 8% of the population and contributes 13.1% of Botswana’s GDP. Little wonder then that the country is willing to explore unprecedented measures to ensure a viable population of pachyderms.

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“A local charity asked us for assistance in sorting and storing the shoeboxes for distribution to kids in rural and impoverished areas,” he explains.

That charity was Prison Fellowship, an NGO and the local representative of Samaritan’s Purse, the US-based charity behind the shoebox initiative known worldwide as Operation Christmas Child. Since its launch in 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 188 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 170 countries. Over 550 000 volunteers worldwide assist the organisation in its operations.

Thinking inside the box

Families, individuals, community organisations and churches pack shoeboxes year-round according to a simple formula:

1. Decide whether the box is for a boy or a girl.
2. Choose an age category: 2–4, 5–9, or 10–14.
3. Select one medium-to-large premier item (soccer balls or stuffed animals are always a hit).
4. Supplement with other toys, hygiene items, and school supplies.

Finished boxes are collected at drop-off points in Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States before being shipped around the world.

A committed team effort

“Those shoeboxes were a high point for the children, and to play even a small role in that was extremely rewarding,” Vincent notes. “It was a first for us, but I know I speak for everyone at AGS Botswana when I say that we would be privileged to assist Operation Christmas Child again next year.”

The AGS Group encourages its subsidiaries to offer their time and resources to communities in need as part of its commitment to the UN Global Compact, of which it has been a member since 2009. “Operation Christmas Child is one of several charitable initiatives around the world that the group will support this year,” notes AGS Group Operations Officer Paul Massardier.

If you too want to support Operation Christmas Child, getting involved has never been easier. Simply visit their webpage, and you can build your own shoebox online.

The show was organised by the Alliance Française, a world-wide non-profit organisation, devoted to promoting the French language and Francophone culture. It aimed to bring together French and African cultures, and attendees were treated to a spectacular fashion show and a variety of culinary delicacies.

Young designers displayed their collections at the fashion show. The show granted young designers and chefs a platform to unveil their collections and show off their cooking skills. It featured everything from glamorous garments, ready-to-wear pieces and the latest developments in the world of West African fashion.

The West African Food and Fashion Show affords young designers the opportunity to dazzle audiences with their fresh ideas. Through this initiative, AGS Botswana supported young, local designers and chefs from the West African region.

On April 8, AGS Frasers Botswana was also proud to sponsor a high-profile qualifying round in Gaborone for the Duke of Edinburgh Golf Tournament World Finals (to be hosted in London in October). The event has been extremely effective in raising funds for 11 charities in Botswana.