Jonathan Stark is on a mission to raise up his Jersey community in support of Virunga National Park.
Many people have asked how they can support the Virunga Park of DR Congo in a meaningful way. We believe wholeheartedly that a single individual can be the spark that makes a difference. Jonathan Stark is one of these people.
Jonathan wanted to help Virunga. He lives on the small island of Jersey between England and France and works for the Durrell Wildlife Park. With the help of our Virunga staff, Jonathan created the “Jersey Friends of Virunga” with the mission to gain a commitment from the Jersey community to help protect a specific sector of Virunga National Park. The goal is to raise enough money for the annual running costs of the Mikeno Sector – home of our mountain gorillas – by encouraging local businesses and individuals to make an annual pledge and raise approximately £64,300 per year.
Last Wednesday, the Jersey Friends of Virunga (JFoV) kicked things off with publicity in the local papers, the launch of the new website, and an event at Durrell that included an introduction of the project and an auction to raise money. Sarah Bendelow, who is from Jersey and works for Virunga National Park, introduced the Jersey Friends of Virunga concept of uniting the island community in support of the rangers of the Mikeno sector, where 200 of the worlds 800 remaining critically endangered mountain gorillas live. The auction of Virunga merchandise, many of which traveled all the way from Congo, made a nice profit for the park.
Jonathan was very happy with the evening launch of the project. “All in all it was a great night, raising around £600 for the park whilst helping to spread the message of Virunga to a wider audience. Like I’ve said before, all great journeys must begin with a single step and after the interest generated by the opening night I think we can attract real support from Jersey for this amazing national park.”
If you would like to start a similar project in your own community, please contact us by responding below in the comments, or sending us an email at info at gorilla.cd. The park is facing a financial crisis. Imagine if hundreds of people like Jonathan, like you, were able to raise up supporters for the park in their own community. You could change the world from your own home.
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