In September 2011, Avis South Africa came on board as a main sponsor of the CLT Boland Project. They have sponsored the project the use of a new Toyota Hilux Double-Cab 4x4. This sponsorship is invaluable, as a robust, reliable off-road vehicle is essential on a project of this nature. The Boland Project researchers travel about 30,000km a year while conducting field work and doing environmental education work.  Considerable mileage is done on rough, off-road terrain, and this awesome vehicle is the perfect vehicle for the job.

The Avis Hilux - now affectionately named "Mavis" - was handed over to the CLT on 22 September at the Avis head office at Cape Town International Airport.

From left: Oliver Majewski, Daniel Kerslake, Riaan Schoeman, Jeannie Hayward, Anita Meyer, Elizabeth Martins, Quinton Martins.

Below: Mavis experiencing a taste of what life is going to be like in the coming months - here seen driving in the shadow of the Du Toit's Mountains just south of Du Toit's Kloof.

The vehicle sponsored by Avis is a real eye-catcher and will hopefully generate tremendous exposure for the Cape Leopard Trust and the work it is doing. We cannot thank Avis enough for this extremely generous sponsorship. We would also like to thank Bridgestone for sponsoring the tyres for the project, as well as the Hans Hoheisen Charitable Trust (managed by BoE Private Clients) and Leopards Leap Wines as the two other main sponsors of the Boland Project.