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Conservation advocate and broadcaster and co-founder of Radio PlayZN, Keri Miller will headline FreeMe Wildlife’s annual Legacy Gala Dinner later this month as the organisation rallies support for an ambitious expansion of its wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Her work promoting anti-poaching initiatives, beach and dune conservation, community clean-up campaigns and outdoor environmental awareness closely aligns with FreeMe Wildlife’s conservation philosophy, said the organisation’s raptor specialist Tammy Caine

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“We believe her philosophy aligns with the ‘One Health’ approach that FreeMe Wildlife believes in, that the health of the environment, animals, in this case wildlife, and people are all inextricably linked,” she said.

Caine added that the event’s name reflected the organisation’s belief that protecting wildlife today creates a lasting legacy for future generations.

The Legacy Gala Dinner will be held at Harrington House in Hilton.

Event organiser Louise Dix said guests could also expect an evening of entertainment, including a live jazz band, a three-course dinner, luxury gift hamper giveaways and an auction featuring artwork and weekend getaways.

Guests will also have the opportunity to support the organisation by becoming FreeMe Wildlife Custodians or through donations and sponsorships.

The fundraising event, to be held at Harrington House in Hilton on July 31, comes as FreeMe Wildlife faces growing demand for the treatment and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and displaced wild animals across the Midlands.

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As the region’s only dedicated wildlife rehabilitation centre, the organisation hopes the gala will not only raise vital funds for its expansion projects but also inspire greater community involvement in protecting KwaZulu-Natal’s natural heritage.

Chief executive Wade Whitehead said the Legacy Gala Dinner was created to strengthen the connection between the organisation and the community it serves.

“FreeMe Wildlife was inspired to host a Legacy Gala Dinner to raise awareness and create connectedness, particularly in the Midlands where FreeMe Wildlife is based,” Whitehead said.

So much of the organisation’s work is done with wildlife species found in the Midlands, and as the only wildlife rehabilitation centre in the area it provides both an essential service to the Midlands community and is also reliant on reciprocal support from the Midlands community to keep that essential service operational.

Whitehead said increasing numbers of wildlife patients meant the organisation urgently needed to expand its facilities.

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Among the priority projects is a new rehabilitation block for small predators, providing additional space for species such as servals, jackals and caracals to recover and regain their fitness before being released back into the wild.

Caine said the new predator facility alone is expected to cost about R200 000, with proceeds from the gala dinner helping to fund the project.

Tickets cost R750 per person, with bookings closing on July 24.

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP before the deadline to secure their seats.

• To RSVP for the event, email Louise at [email protected]