Gorilla Protection

Or in other words: Thank you!

As usual, your generosity has been fantastic- it is thanks to you that we can continue our important work here at Virunga National Park. Here are your donations for the past few weeks:

13-19 May
Helen S $40; Marilyn L $20; Michelle W $20; Pirjo I $20; Robin D $20; Sean H $40; ATV $20; david b $20; NATHAN R $250; Brad M $40; Daryl P $20; David S $20; Hayez V $20; Karen C S $250; Nikki N $25; Petrina L $50; Jennifer K $20; Leonard J $25; Piya K $70; Rebecca P $25; L Vos $30; Lera M $50; Maryann S $30; matthew c $10; Tresha D $20; Nicholas M $5; Baerbel W $50; Carol H $15; Caroline N $10; Daniela M $25; l a kidd $6; Maria H $30; Steven G $300

Serundori

20-26 May
A BROWN $20; Michael S $30; susan r $20; Carol G $15; Chloe F $15; George L $100; brad h $100; Daniel G $150; Joseph K $25; Sophie N $50; Jacqueline T $200; Salim J $10; Tonia W $15; Michael D G $15; MIRIAM C $10; Oliver T $50; Richard I $50; Charla M $10; Sandra S $15; Eric S $25; Jorge G $40; Ted W $20

Bikenke

27-30 May

John C 50; Paige W $10; Chris V $50; David L $20; diana t $50; Elizabeth V $20; Jessica I $20; Karin T $55; Kelly M $50; Lara D $10; Robert J $10; Suzanne C $30; Tammie F $25; Yvette L $20; Etienne B $50; gregory k $10; kari h $40; Kevin C $20; Chantal A $25.

Mahisho

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The aim of this post is to provide you with an update of how donations have been spent. If you would like more info on the concept of WildifeDirect please go to Richard Leakey’s blog post. The key idea behind WildlifeDirect is that all donations go in their entirety to the field, net of bank fees. They don’t get lost in admin and bureaucracy. And we work closely with different partners on the ground, most of whom have a blog, in order to achieve this.

This blog is WildlifeDirect’s most successful blog in terms of donations - as you can tell from all the posts I do about the amounts we have received each month. So we work in close partnership with other conservation organizations present in Virunga National Park to maximise the impact of these donations.

1. Uniforms & Boots for Rangers: $39,200

With your donations we have ordered 200 sets of uniforms and combat boots for the Rangers, at a cost of $39,200. They are being made by Manchester Outfitters in Kenya, and when they are ready they will be brought here for distribution to the Rangers. Uniforms include: shirt, trousers, belt, hat, beret, socks, jacket, poncho and boots. Frankfurt Zoological Society, one of our most important partners on the ground, is handling this for us.

The invoice

And a close up!

2. Salary Bonuses for Rangers: $48,000

WildlifeDirect donations are paying for Ranger salary bonuses - these are being routed via the Zoological Society of London, another of our partners on the ground. This amount will pay the salaries of the 165 Rangers and support staff in the southern sector of Virunga National Park for 8 months.

Note:We call them salary bonuses as opposed to salaries just for legal reasons as in theory an NGO cannot pay government salaries.

3. Care & Support for Mapendo, the gorilla orphan: $10,000

The care of Mapendo, the Grauer’s gorilla orphan, is being handled in part by WildlifeDirect donations, which we have channeled via the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project. This includes for example the $1,132 that it cost to fly Mapendo and the body of Vumilia down to Goma from Mutsora.

4. Fuel wood for Refugees Campaign: $20,000

This successful $20,000 fuel wood campaign was conducted in December to supply fuel wood to refugees next to the Gorilla Sector. This aims to prevent the refugees from chopping down the forest and the gorilla habitat. An update on this was provided on 18th Jan, and another update will be coming soon. We are doing this with FZS and WWF.

5. Emergency Crisis Support following July Gorilla Massacre: $30,000

These monies were spent on the Crisis Cell following the July massacre of the Rugendo family. This cell, or grouping of conservation organizations, was formed to respond to the threat from the charcoal mafia and to support the Rangers in their fight to protect the park. Support ranged widely, from logistics, to transport, to patrols etc. When operations were stalled following the outbreak of fighting in early September, the Crisis Cell continued to function. Today funds are used to support the anti-charcoal burning patrols that have been blogged about, and the displaced Rangers at Rumangabo.

6. Miscellaneous

There are also many smaller items on which we spend donations. These can be very varied. For example donations pay the $30/month rent on Innocent’s house in Goma for him and his family while security at Rumangabo is not good. Donations also paid for the operation for Diddy’s wife in October.

Thank you on behalf of WildlifeDirect & the Rangers for making all of this possible.

And now for the latest donations information:

Donations 1-7 January: $4,247

One-Time Donations

Lynn Z, $25.00, LISA V, $50.00, walter F, $20.00, Robert G, $25.00, Robin A, $20.00, Jacob S, $10.00, Karen C S, $300.00, Carol C, $50.00, Robert W, $1,000.00, Cynthia W, $50.00, ellin v, $100.00, Simon S, $20.00, Martin R, $500.00

Medical Kits

Cherie F, $50.00

Monthly Donations

scott d, $25.00, rebecca w, $10.00, James H, $55.00, Kristin O, $100.00, Thomas T, $20.00, Pamela R, $30.00, Anna R, $25.00, Deanene E, $10.00, PRISCILLA L C, $30.00, David L, $20.00, Stefan M, $30.00, Donald T, $35.00, Jim H, $100.00, Joy E, $10.00, Oliver M, $500.00, Michel S, $15.00, Cynthia W, $30.00, justin m, $20.00, Mark T, $20.00, Meghan L, $25.00, Joseph S, $20.00, AMBER G-B, $25.00, Shine Web D, $25.00, Jennifer L B, $15.00, Sherri S, $25.00, David A G, $10.00, Gretchen R, $10.00, karith c, $100.00, Lynne T, $20.00, Kindree B, $10.00, Micaela B, $10.00, Janice G, $10.00, Claude H, $50.00, Lina G, $10.00, Bhavani J, $10.00, Haishin O, $27.00, Terry P, $15.00, Patricia L-O, $15.00, Jeanie N, $10.00, ruth t, $15.00, Angela S, $25.00, Jeffrey W, $20.00, william c, $35.00, hayley g, $5.00, mr glyn c c, $15.00, Martana R, $15.00, Kari S, $5.00, Mark S, $20.00, Shawn K, $30.00, Renee H, $10.00, DARIO R, $50.00, Tasha C, $20.00, brigitta s, $20.00, doug b, $20.00, Brian M, $100.00, Nikki N, $10.00, Sheryl B, $10.00, reisa v, $30.00, Mark H, $20.00, Stephani A, $25.00

Donations 8-14 January: $7,035

One-Time Donations

Donna C, $200.00, Gearing Up 4 Gorillas, $3,800.00, Zoe K, $30.00, Stephanie W, $100.00, Lynn L, $20.00, Merrill P, $15.00, carmen e, $30.00, arun k, $20.00, Jill H, $25.00, JulieAnne Y, $20.00, Dane P, $40.00, ethan f, $20.00, Colet A, $100.00, Norma A, $140.00, Nancy H, $100.00, Wholesale D, Audi and Clothing, $15.00, David Y, $25.00, Shawn G, $50.00, Carlene W, $80.00, Silke B, $25.00, isabelle d, $50.00, Francis D, $20.00, Steve U, $150.00, Leonard J, $20.00, jim k, $50.00, Betsy S, $25.00

One-Time Donations for Mapendo

Monica H, $100.00, Anna M, $25.00, Suzanne C, $50.00

Medical Kits

David Van V, $25.00, Charles C, $25.00, David Diaz G, $50.00, CARLOS C, $50.00, Deepak J, $25.00, Georgette G, $25.00, Siri A, $25.00, Theresa S, $50.00, Mark S, $50.00

Patrol Boots

C, $35.00 - these are specifically for Diddy. Thank you

!, David Van V, $35.00, Mark S, $70.00

Ranger Uniform

David Van V, $45.00, Kirk P, $45.00, CARLOS C, $45.00, Eric S, $45.00, Mark S, $90.00

Monthly Donations

Tresha D, $20.00, Chris McL, $20.00, ATV Off Road S, $20.00, matthew c, $10.00, Zen S Inc., $25.00, Helene d, $40.00, Zonna p, $100.00, Joyce K-G, $25.00, Pirjo I, $20.00, Sean H, $40.00, Michelle W, $20.00, Madeleine P, $40.00, Marilyn L, $20.00, Gregory F, $15.00, Ross W, $10.00, Martha A, $30.00, Lisa H, $25.00, Anne K, $20.00, Nathaniel P, $10.00, Paul J, $15.00, mandi c, $10.00, Jana S, $5.00, NATHANIAL W, $20.00, Deanne D, $15.00, Eric O, $10.00, elizabeth d, $40.00, Teresa E, $10.00, Kathy B, $30.00, Lisa H, $50.00, Cynthia G, $20.00, Alan McD, $20.00, Paula J G, $15.00, Jesse W, $20.00, Ramsay B, $50.00, Kim M, $40.00, Kevin F, $15.00, Michael D, $25.00, beth m, $15.00, Erin M, $20.00

Note: Very very special thanks to G4G for the $3,800!

Donations 15-21 January: $4,491

One-Time Donations

brad h, $100.00, Elizabeth R, $50.00, Steve S, $75.00, Raelene A, $25.00, Steven G, $300.00, Kiat T, $50.00, Ian R, $20.00, Sebastian J, $500.00, Kathleen O, $500.00, David M, $500.00, Nigel H, $200.00, Chantal A, $20.00, Gearing Up 4 Gorillas, $965.00, Eric M, $100.00, Meghan H, $20.00, Elizabeth Mc, $50.00, Jason K, $100.00

Medical Kits

Jennifer K, $25.00, Christine K, $25.00

Patrol Boots

Raelene A, $35.00, Christine K, $35.00,

Ranger Uniform

Christine K, $45.00

Monthly Donations

Chloe F, $15.00, A B, $20.00, susan r, $20.00, Maria H, $30.00, Carol H, $15.00, Daniela M, $25.00, Caroline N, $10.00, l a kidd, $6.00, Baerbel W, $50.00, Andrea D, $10.00, Nicholas M, $5.00, Cathy R, $15.00, Annabel S, $40.00, L Vos, $30.00, Lera M, $50.00, Maryann S, $30.00, Simon N, $20.00, Helen S, $15.00, Chris S, $40.00, Timothy S, $10.00, Simon P, $15.00, Jennifer K, $20.00, Piya K, $70.00, MIRIAM C, $10.00, Rebecca P, $25.00, Daryl P, $20.00, Nikki N, $25.00, Hayez V, $20.00, Petrina L, $50.00, Brad Mc, $40.00

Donations 22-27 January: $1,210

One-Time Donations

Joseph K, $40, Katharine MacD, $50, Kathleen B, $100, Amanda P, $50, Christine C, $400, david w, $100, Rupert A, $10, Rupert A, $10

Medical Kits

Peter B, $25

Monthly Donations

Paige W, $10, KelliAnna Q, $25, Eric S, $25, Ted W, $20, wild ent, $25, Charla M, $10, Sandra S, $15, Richard I, $50, Michael D G, $15, Angela C, $15, Jacqueline T, $200, Tonia W, $15

THANK YOU

Finally, I have to tell you all that I will soon be leaving WildlifeDirect. My 1-year contract has already ended, and I have to get back to overdue obligations that I have in the UK. I am filled with many regrets about leaving, but we are currently choosing a replacement who will hopefully be able to start soon. So nothing will actually change for you all! I will keep you posted in any event.

Samantha

Technorati : congo, drc, iccn, wildlifedirect

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Semakuba, Humba Family

This is Samantha. Some more donation information for you - the December generosity was just amazing!

One-Time Donations 22-31 Dec

iain B, $90.00, jeff d, $250.00, Peter C, $100.00, Dennis P, $100.00, Bill F, $1,000.00, Angelique S, $300.00, Perri L, $50.00, John B, $100.00, Jeanne K, $500.00, Lydia B, $2,500.00, Jan V, $50.00, Keith K, $300.00, john z, $500.00, Todd F, $100.00, Mary C, $100.00, Theodore P, $50.00, kevin l, $100.00, Karla C, $50.00, THERESA S, $100.00, Linda Z, $100.00, Polly W, $20.00, Kristina F, $25.00, Mary M, $500.00, Graciela G, $15.00, Lesley P, $200.00, Eric B, $200.00, Patrick W, $30.00, Connie N, $200.00, darrel p, $500.00, owen n, $1,000.00, Karen C S, $250.00, Lynn K, $750.00, Patrick M, $75.00, Sydney M, $500.00, Stanka M, $50.00, Grace B, $250.00, Danielle D, $15.00, S C G, $20.00, James c, $500.00, Ruth A, $60.00, Megan F, $30.00, Michael C, $10.00, Lisa C, $100.00, GM W, $20.00, Justine B, $40.00, Jamie G, $80.00, Alexandra B, $25.00, Larissa B, $50.00, sanjay p, $100.00, Stephen B, $0.00, Rebecca P, $100.00, Elisabeth A, $50.00, Pliney D, $20.00, Robert S, $25.00, Pamela J W, $25.00, Jim L, $50.00, Debbie S, $25.00

Fuel Wood for Refugees 22-31 Dec

Claudia E, $40.00, Cheryl H, $40.00, Daphne H, $20.00, Naomi K, $20.00, S C G, 20.00, alisa d, $40.00, Michael C, $40.00, Megan B, $60.00, Lisa C, $20.00, Oliver T, $60.00, Håvard E, $20.00, alain v, $20.00, alain v, $20.00, Arnold J, $40.00, carmen e, $20.00, Jesse W, $100.00, Stephen B, $20.00, Albert B, $400.00, D A E, $20.00

Medical Kits 22-31 Dec

iain B, $50.00

Patrol Boots 22 -31 Dec

iain B, $70.00

Ranger Uniform 22-31 Dec

iain B, $90.00, Perri L, $45.00

Monthly Donation 22-31 Dec

Gary C, $100.00, Michelle P, $30.00, Cynthia J, $25.00, Robert J, $10.00, Lara D, 10.00, diana t, $50.00, Chris V, $50.00, Kelly M, $50.00, Shawn M, $15.00, Lalita S, $20.00, julia b, $20.00, kari h, $40.00, Etienne B, $50.00, gregory k, $10.00, Kate B, $25.00, Yvette L, $20.00, Jessica I, $20.00, Suzanne C, $30.00, Tammie F, $25.00, Karin T, $55.00, Elizabeth V, $20.00, Paige W, $10.00, KelliAnna Q, $25.00, Eric S, $25.00, Ted W, $20.00, Charla M, $10.00, Sandra S, $15.00, wild e, $15.00, Michael D G, $15.00, Angela C, $15.00, Jacqueline T, $200.00, Tonia W, $15.00, Tosh M, $20.00

Rebecca P said “Given in celebration of my wedding this December to Franc”

Theresa S said “In loving memory of park ranger Maniriho’s infant, who is now an angel in heaven…”

Polly W said, “Thank you so much for all you do!! You have lots of support in America. Sorry I cannot send more. Happy New Year!”

Cherie F said, “Cal F supports the care of the mountain gorillas in honor of Maria & Jesse, with thanks to Sam”

Fuel Wood Campaign

I posted on 27 December about reaching the $20K target for the fuel wood campaign. Although not only did we actually reach it, but we surpassed it! The grand total received came to a whopping $21,385. Thank you to everyone who contributed. I will be updating you all over the next few days as to what the status is of the IDP camp in Kibati. The last time I went it had barely begun. I understand there has been quite a lot of progress, but I want to go for myself and see. I will keep you posted. Samantha

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Innocent & Diddy

This is Samantha. I am now back in DRC after a break in the UK. Like you all I have been following events surrounding Vumilia and Mapendo, the gorilla orphans at Mutsora, and the wonderful work being done by the Rangers and MGVP.

I will be posting in coming days to provide an update on the incredibly successful fuel wood campaign, progress at the IDP camp at Kanyaruchinya (and the use of your donations) and the anti-charcoal burning patrols conducted by the Rangers in the southern sector of Virunga. Unfortunately the Rangers still have no access to the Gorilla Sector and so there is no news of our Mountain Gorillas.

In the interim, I have not posted regarding donations since 17th December so I just wanted to give you a quick update for the week of 15th to 21st December. Grand Merci, as they say here in DRC - from the Rangers & WildlifeDirect.

Donations 15-21 Dec: not including Fuel Wood or One-time donations as those have already been listed on previous posts.

Chloe F, $15.00 A B, $20.00 susan r, $20.00 Carol H, $15.00 l a kidd, $6.00 Daniela M, $25.00 Caroline N, $10.00 Baerbel W, $50.00 Nicholas M, $5.00 Cathy R, $15.00 Chris S, $40.00 Simon, $15.00 Timothy S, $10.00 Lera M, $50.00 Helen S, $15.00 Simon N, $20.00 Maryann S, $30.00 MIRIAM C, $10.00 Piya K, $70.00 Rebecca P, $25.00 Petrina L, $50.00 Brad M, $40.00

Technorati : congo, donations, drc, iccn, wildlifedirect

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This is Samantha. Diddy & Innocent are still busy on anti-charcoal burning patrols. Diddy was at home in Kiwanja yesterday with his family for Christmas and Innocent was in Goma. Christmas is not celebrated in DR Congo like it is for most of us, but the family is together. The fighting has not abated, and the situation is still very bad.

The GREAT news is that we have SURPASSED the $20,000 target for fuel wood for the refugees. This is absolutely brilliant and is down to the generosity of spirit of each and every one of you. The total is $21,345. Just incredible. The donate item for fuel wood will be coming off the donations list as a result.  

Thank you from the Rangers and the WildlifeDirect team. This money is going to be utilized, as stated on this blog several times since the appeal was launched 12th December, to supply fuel wood to IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) at Kibati. The goal remains the same: to prevent IDPs who are in need of fuel wood to cook and boil water from cutting down the forest in Virunga National Park, and specifically in the Gorilla Sector.

One-time Donation 21^st-25^th December - Stanka M, 50, Grace B, 250, Danielle D, 15, S C G, 20, Pamela J W, 25, Jim L, 50, Debbie S, 25, james c, 500, Ruth A, 60, Megan F, 30, Michael C, 10, Lisa C, 100, GM W, 20, Justine B, 40, Jamie G, 80, Alexandra B, 25, Larissa B, 50, sanjay p, 100, Rebecca P, 100, jai a, 200, maria c, 30, Sherri M, 100, Adrian S, 100.

Fuel Wood for Refugees Donations 21^st-25^th December - Cheryl H, 40, Daphne H, 20, Naomi K, 20, S C G, 20, alisa d, 40, Michael C, 40, Megan B, 60, Lisa C, 20, Oliver T, 60, Håvard E, 20, Alain v, 20, alain v, 20, Arnold J, 40, Carmen e, 20, Jesse W, 100, Stephen B, 20, Albert B, 400, D A E, 20, THERESA S, 1,000.00, maria c, 20, alex f, 20, Michael B, 100, David L, 80.

SCG said “This donation is in honor of Isabella, she asked me (Santa)to donate to help animals (gorillas especially) and the planet. I was very happy to do so – Santa” Rebecca P said “Given in celebration of my wedding this December to Franc”

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Since the last post we have continued the anti-charcoal burning patrols. We have been very very busy going out daily and we are making headway to show that the Rangers are not going to allow the ferocious and rampant destruction of our park. The IDP camp is also making progress so that the refugees from Kibumba can be moved soon. AND we have almost reached our $20K target - we still need exactly $2,835. Thank you absolutely all of you. This is really incredible.

Diddy & Innocent

One-time Donations 18-20 Dec - P Roff J, $50.00, James F, $500.00, Natasha K, $50.00, Tami D, $50.00, Michael G, $150.00, Monica H, $50.00, jerry b, $200.00, Beverly L, $100.00, Matthew G, $25.00, brigitta s $800.00, Kristen K, $100.00, Cherie F, $50.00, charles r, $1,500.00, Dori G, $30.00, Julie M-W, $10.00, Olivia M, $50.00, Lisa H, $45.00, Lisa H, $20.00.

Fuel Wood for Refugees 18-20 Dec- Simran S, $60.00, Simran S, $60.00, Cara H, $20.00, Katie L, $20.00, Michael McG, $100.00, Donna C, $100.00,.Nigel G, $100.00, Cherie F, $40.00, Mark H, $40.00, Dori G, $20.00, Julie M-W, $20.00, Chantal A, $20.00, Pirjo I, $40.00.

Cara H said “This donation is made in the name of my friend and coworker, Cam“

Donna C said “This donation is what my 10 yo granddaughter, Isabella, asked for Christmas - from her family and from Santa“

Cherie F said “This is a gift in the name of Maria & Jesse who love the mountain gorillas & Sam“

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When charcoal is made in the park, sparks often ignite other areas of the forest. This is a fire we had to put out.

Rangers find a kiln. The charcoal burners were about to put mud over it and burn it to make the charcoal.

Rangers destroy a kiln in Virunga National Park.

More wood from Virunga is turned into charcoal.

This is Innocent. We are continuing to patrol and make arrests of those making charcoal. These patrols will continue all week. They are being coordinated by Director Nestor, and we are all working together on this.

Thank you for your donations again yesterday. This brings the total for the fuel wood campaign since the appeal was launched on 12th December to $12,745. This is an incredible amount to have raised in just under a week. Thank you to everyone who has donated, and a special thanks to Happy Hollow Zoo. We know everyone works very very hard for their money.

December 17^th Donations

One-time Donation - Robert H, $25.00, Michael W, $20.00, James D, $250.00, Jill L, $50.00, Karl W, $60.00, Happy H Corp, $4,000.00, Judith B, $150.00, Jennifer R, $20.00, Bahar D, $100.00, Maciej G, $70.00

Fuel Wood for Refugees - Sissi P, $100.00, Elizabeth P, $40.00, Kim R, $40.00, Sheryl B, $40.00, THERESA S, $100.00, carmen e, $40.00, Alireza M, $20.00, Gary C, $25.00

Total: $5,150.00

Elizabeth said: Gift donation to my friend Sheryl, who’s a wonderful gorilla-tarian.

Sheryl said: This is a holiday gift donation for my friend, Liz P, who has loved apes and monkeys her entire life.

Innocent

Technorati : charcoal, congo, drc, gorilla, iccn, wildlifedirect

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Kitagenda, a juvenile, from the Kabirizi Family, born 30th June 2002

This is Diddy. I am going on patrol with Innocent, Director Nestor, Rob from FZS and many others. We are just going for the day to try and stop some of the Rwandan and Congolese charcoal makers who are destroying the park purely for financial gain. We need to do something. It is total anarchy.

The fighting is still very very bad. Pretty much all day yesterday there was extremely heavy shelling near Rugari and Bukima. I, like all Rangers, am very frustrated. How are the gorillas?

Rangers at Rumangabo on Friday.

Rangers at Kibati patrol post. These men are patrolling the park for charcoal burners.

Thank you for all your donations for the fuel wood campaign. We are getting closer to our target.

Fuel Wood Donations 15-16 Dec: denis k, $100.00, Trish W, $40.00, Amber S, $20.00, corey c, $20.00, Baerbel W, $140.00, Mark T, $100.00, carl b, $20.00, Minna Maaria K, $60.00, Laura P, $60.00, Kathy S, $80.00, Mark S, $20.00, Marita M, $20.00, Laura B, $20.00 Total: $700.00. TOTAL FOR FUEL WOOD TO DATE: $4,160.00.

Total One-Time Donations since start of Fuel Wood campaign on 12th Dec: Helen H, $50.00 DOMENIC C, $40.00 Healthy G, $200.00 Ruth Anne D, $50.00 Donna S, $100.00 Steven D, $100.00 David W, $25.00 otto l, $25.00 james a, $20.00 Peter W, $20.00 lisa f, $40.00 Edward C, $950.00 Michael F, $80.00 Jerry H, $500.00 Richard M, $100.00 Erin M, $100.00 Benjamin A, $20.00 lisa r, $75.00 Ibis van W, $50.00 Julie C, $40.00 Oliver T, $50.00 antonio c, $100.00 Alexander H, $60.00 Jeanne D, $25.00 THERESA S, $100.00 Murali S, $75.00 Anja Z, $50.00 Amber S, $20.00 Jayne F, $50.00 carl b, $20.00 Jill O, $150.00 Kathy B, $100.00 Michel G, $25.00 Linda M, $25.00. TOTAL: $3,435.

We would like to add this $3,435 to the Fuel Wood Campaign - bringing total received to date to $7,595.00. If anyone whose donation is included in the one-time list objects, please let us know and Samantha will re-allocate immediately.

My children the other day when I was at home in Kiwanja: Julien, Sarah & Osee. They are with their mother and doing fine. We just want the war to end.

Diddy

Technorati : charcoal, congo, drc, iccn, ranger, wildlifedirect

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THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

Donations 8-14 December

One-time Donations - Helen H, $50.00, DOMENIC C, $40.00, Healthy G, $200.00, Ruth Anne D, $50.00, Donna S, $100.00, Steven D, $100.00, David W, $25.00, otto l, $25.00, james a, $20.00, Peter W, $20.00, lisa f, $40.00, Edward C, $950.00, Michael F, $80.00, Jerry H, $500.00, Richard M, $100.00, Erin M, $100.00, Benjamin A, $20.00, lisa r, $75.00, Ibis van W, $50.00, Julie C, $40.00, Oliver T, $50.00, antonio c, $100.00, Alexander H, $60.00, Jeanne D, $25.00, THERESA S, $100.00, Murali S, $75.00, Anja Z, $50.00, brad h, $100.00, Tamir S, $360.00, Amy F, $30.00, Stacey R, $15.00, victoria b, $100.00, chris a, $40.00, Rosemary R, $20.00, Bonnie D, $100.00, Louis W N Jr, $100.00, Demi K, $100.00, Tyler J, $100.00, Steve T, $50.00, Terry L P, $100.00, Pamela R, $100.00, Margaret P, $50.00, tina s, $100.00, Catherine K, $100.00, Stephen L, 100.00, Kathy B, $50.00, Tina G, $30.00, Jeff S, $25.00, cathy s, $75.00, kevin c, $250.00, Sasha A, $60.00, Brian F, $80.00, Gina P, $100.00, Mary L, $100.00, Selina S, $200.00, Nadia S, $1.00, louise k, $25.00, Chris N, $100.00, Claudia B, $50.00, Christy T, $350.00, Joyce J, $1,000.00, Steven T, $50.00, Linda G, $50.00, karen h, $400.00, Dawn S, $100.00, Joanne S, $500.00, anthony g, $100.00, J T, $250.00, georgia w, $100.00, Frances H, $140.00, charmaine r, $25.00, Quentin V, $165.00, Robert W, $100.00, Michael R, $100.00, Brendan W, $75.00, Joe C, $25.00, Erik F, $100.00, Mary H, $50.00, Paul R, $50.00, sandra c, $100.00, Carol Z, $101.00, Gerard F, $100.00, Susan B, $50.00, megan t, $50.00, Patrick S, $40.00, Robert C, $50.00, Callie C, 100.00, Rebecca L, $50.00, LeeAnn A, $100.00, Jennifer A, $100.00, Daniel B, $100.00, Mark M, $100.00, Jennifer B, $300.00, Michele D, $25.00, Cathryn R, $100.00, Rosann R, $100.00, Zoe D, $50.00, zoe d, $50.00, Sheryl B, $10.00, charles f, $20.00, Jeanine S, $50.00, Malinda M, $100.00

Fuel Wood Donations - Tom F, $100.00,DOMENIC C, $20.00, Lenore S Ltd, $20.00, Robin S, $140.00, THERESA S, $500.00, Diana W, $20.00, Sheryl B, $20.00, Elisabeth B, $100.00, james a, $20.00, Leah S, $100.00, Gerald I, $60.00, Dana T, $260.00, Jennifer and Damon B, $40.00, Faye B, $20.00, Gregory F, $200.00, Gretchen C, $40.00, Anthony B, $20.00, Lauren F, $20.00, Cynthia G, $40.00, angela s, $20.00, Lucia C, $200.00, sue d, $100.00, christian d, $40.00, Mark S, $20.00, Michelle W, $40.00, Michelle A, $20.00, Jennifer R, $100.00, Erki L, $20.00, Jennifer A, $40.00, Kathy S, $20.00, Jennifer R, $40.00, katie l, $20.00, Nancy C, $20.00, Celeste L, $100.00, sidney g $20.00, Oliver T, $40.00, Wendy S, $40.00, Cuneyt S, $100.00, Alexander H, $40.00, Wanda H, $20.00, Pamela R, $20.00, Joseph K, $20.00, Pirjo I, $40.00, Wine A Services, LLC, $200.00, carmen e, $200.00, Christine C, $40.00, Leah W, $20.00, Sharon S, $20.00

Medical Kits - Wine A Services, LLC, $25.00, Lisa M, $100.00, Dan S, $25.00, Ann K, $25.00, karen h, $25.00, Bonnie H, $25.00, Joanne S, $50.00, Kerry L, $25.00, Tracee R, $25.00

Patrol Boots - Wine A Services, LLC, $35.00, Dan S, $35.00, Ann K, $35.00,

d, $35.00, karen h, $35.00, Joanne S, $140.00, Kerry L, $35.00, Tracee R, $35.00

Patrol Tents - Wine A Services, LLC, $60.00, Laura F, $60.00, karen h, $60.00, Joanne S, $120.00, Kerry L, $60.00, Gina O, $60.00

Ranger Uniform - Wine A Services, LLC, $45.00, Lisa M, $90.00, karen h, $45.00, Joanne S, $180.00

Monthly Donation - Zonna p, $100.00, Joyce K-G, $25.00, Zen S Inc., $25.00, helene d, $40.00, Marilyn L, $20.00, Gregory f, $15.00, Michelle W, $20.00, Sean H, $40.00, Martha A, $30.00, Lisa H, $25.00, Ross W, $10.00, NATHANIAL W, $20.00, Deanne D, $15.00, Eric O, $10.00, Paul J, $15.00, Nathaniel P, $10.00, Jana S, $5.00, elizabeth d, $40.00, mandi c, $10.00, scarlet w, $10.00, Madeleine P, $40.00, Kathy B, $30.00, Alan M, $20.00, Cynthia G, $20.00, Lisa H, $50.00, Teresa E, $10.00, nathan f, $40.00, Diane D, $10.00, Michael D, $25.00, Ramsay B, $50.00, Kim M, $40.00, Kevin F, $15.00, Paula J G, $15.00, Jesse W, $20.00, Erin M, $20.00, beth m, $15.00

TOTAL 8-14 December: $17,188.01. THIS IS OUR BEST WEEK EVER SINCE THE BLOG STARTED NEARLY A YEAR AGO!

Donations 1-7 December

One-time Donation - Mike J, $50.00, Mike P, $25.00, Judy F, $100.00, Pawe Z, $20.00, RUSTIC M CRAFTS, $25.00, Lisa C, $100.00, Pirjo I, $40.00, Tijl M, $20.00, david i, $100.00, James N, $10.00, Sheryl Bottner, $20.00

Medical Kits - Frank G, $25.00, Cynthia A, $100.00, thomas s, $25.00, Malcolm J, $25.00

Patrol Boots - Frank G, $35.00, Cynthia A, $350.00

Patrol Tents - Cynthia A, $300.00

Ranger Uniform - Frank G, $45.00, Cynthia A, $450.00

Monthly Donation - kari h, $40.00, scott d, $25.00, rebecca w, $10.00, Thomas T, $20.00, Kristin O, $100.00, James H, $55.00, Pamela R, $30.00, Deanene E, $10.00, Anna R, $25.00, PRISCILLA L C, $30.00, Jim H, $100.00, Joy E, $10.00, Stefan M, $30.00, Donald T, $35.00, Oliver M, $500.00, Mark T, $20.00, justin m, $20.00, Joseph S, $20.00, Meghan L, $25.00, AMBER G-B, $25.00, Sherri S, $25.00, Shine W Design, $25.00, Micaela B, $10.00, Jennifer L B, $15.00, Barry I, $25.00, Anne K, $20.00, Janice G, $10.00, David A G, $10.00, Gretchen R, $10.00, Bhavani J, $10.00, Maria H, $15.00, karith c, $100.00, William P, $10.00, Kindree B, $10.00, Lina G, $10.00, Lynne T, $20.00, Haishin O, $27.00, Claude H, $50.00, hayley g, $5.00, Patricia L-O, $15.00, Terry P, $15.00, Jeanie N, $10.00, william c, $35.00, ruth t, $15.00, Jeffrey , $20.00, Angela S, $25.00, Angela M, $50.00, mr glyn c c, $15.00, Marlis B, $20.00, Brian M, $100.00, Mark H, $20.00, brigitta s, $20.00, Jimmy G, $10.00, Sheryl B, $10.00, doug b, $20.00, DARIO R, $50.00, Nikki N, $10.00, jeffrey b, $20.00, Martana R, $15.00, Stephani A, $25.00, reisa v, $30.00, Mark S, $20.00, Kari S, $5.00, Shawn K, $30.00, Tasha C, $20.00, Renee H, $10.00, freya e, $15.00, freya e, $15.00

Total 1-7 December: $4,067.10

Donations 22-30 November

One-time Donation - Wendy S, 50.00, Irvin S, 250.00, Nicola B-W, 50.00, Rachel S, 50.00, Karen K, 25.00, Karen K, 25.00, Atomicode S, 100.00, JAMES T, 100.00, roger mc n, 25.00, Rita B, 200.00, Catherine A, 100.00, Nathan F, 50.00

Medical Kits - louis van l, 25.00, Rob S, 25.00, Benjamin V, 50.00, Herve B, 50.00

Patrol Boots - louis van l, 35.00, Joseph K, 35.00

Ranger Uniform - louis van l, 45.00, Herve B, 45.00, Paul B 90.00

Monthly Donation - Karin T, 55.00, Lara D, 10.00, David Li, 20.00, Robert J, 10.00, diana t, 50.00, Jessica I, 20.00, Suzanne C, 30.00, Chris V, 50.00, Tammie F, 25.00, Kelly M, 50.00, Elizabeth V, 20.00, Paige W, 10.00, KelliAnna Q, 25.00, Ted W, 20.00, Eric S, 25.00, Sandra S, 15.00, Charla M, 10.00, wild e, 15.00, Michael D G, 15.00, Tosh M, 20.00, Tonia W, 15.00, Angela C, 15.00, Simon P, 15.00, Jacqueline T, 200.00, Shawn M, 15.00, julia b, 20.00, Gary C, 100.00, Lalita S, 20.00, gregory k, 10.00, Cynthia J, 25.00, Etienne B, 50.00, Kate B, 25.00

Total 22-30 November: $2,430

Technorati : congo, donation, drc, iccn, wildlifedirect

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This is Samantha. I am here in Goma with Innocent, Diddy & Balemba. I saw Rob yesterday after his trip to Rumangabo HQ (map), and a stop at the refugee camp at Kibumba next to the park. This is an update of the situation with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the charcoal trade, and the protection of the forest in Virunga National Park - Africa’s oldest national park.

The charcoal trade is flourishing. Since early September there has been an estimated 10-fold increase in charcoal production in the southern sector of Virunga. This is because of a lack of control in the area as a direct result of the fighting.

Trucks are loaded to the hilt. Often the vehicles simply cannot take the strain, and just tip over.

Sacks of charcoal from Virunga National Park at the Kibumba camp. This camp remember is never going to be an official UNHCR IDP camp - but there are over 4,000 people here now, and growing. They urgently need to be moved to the official site at Kibati that is being prepared for their arrival. That is where we will send the fuel wood.

This is a typical IDP shelter. Sticks, grass, earth and plastic sheeting. Innocent said this plastic sheeting came from the government. Although it is the government’s responsibility to assist the IDPs, they rarely do.

This is how you start making your shelter, with sticks. These sticks come from Virunga. You can also put banana leaves on top of the sticks.

This burned-out vehicle is at the side of the road just south of Rumangabo. Diddy said the driver was going too fast to avoid the bullets during a gunfire exchange between the army and the rebels. The car rolled, and burst into flames. The driver just managed to get out in time.

And another charcoal truck. The road from Virunga to Goma is full of trucks like these. Other people carry the charcoal out to Rwanda. It is quite literally a free-for-all due to the total insecurity in the area.

This is a track used by charcoal burners to get into Virunga National Park - both Congolese and Rwandan charcoal burners.

The Rangers have identified 8 of these tracks going into the southern sector of Virunga National Park. People wanting to make charcoal pay off the DR Congo military or the rebels - whoever is controlling the track. An adult may pay $0.40 for daily access and a child half of that. Then when the charcoal is actually carried finally out of the forest, the burners pay $10 to whoever is controlling the access. So business is booming.

Yesterday I went to the site of the IDP camp at Kibati (see map) that is being prepared. This is where the people from Kibumba will allegedly move to - and this is where we need the fuel wood for.

A few hangars, as they call them, had been built, but toilets, water and shelter have not yet started. The hangars are not for people to sleep, but for people to be “processed” (as it was explained to me).

The people on the ground told me they want to bring the first IDPs here on 17th December. I do not know if it will be ready by then - but we must be ready with the fuel wood. These people must be provided with an alternative to chopping down the forest.

With people making a business out of charcoal, and the people who need fuel - Virunga National Park is under attack.

Thank you for your donations for fuel wood yesterday that came to $940: Tom F, $100.00 DOMENIC C, $20.00 L Suttle Ltd, $20.00 Robin S, $140.00 THERESA S, $500.00 Diana W, $20.00 Sheryl B, $20.00 Elisabeth B, $100.00 james a, $20.00.

Sheryl donated: “In honor of my friend Leanne F. who loves all wildlife.”

This comes to $3,460 of the $20,000 needed. PLEASE KEEP THE DONATIONS COMING.

Samantha & the Rangers

Technorati : charcoal, congo, drc, gorilla, iccn, idp, war, wildlifedirect

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