Words by Smiley Team
Leading environmental organisation WWF and British artist, author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy have come together to raise funds to help protect elephants, their habitat and support the communities that share their home.
A limited-edition t-shirt and tote bag created in collaboration with Charlie Mackesy features an elephant, accompanied by his beloved characters, the Boy and the Mole from his debut book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.
On sale just in time for Christmas, the adult’s t-shirt, children’s t-shirt and tote bag are available online at http://shop.wwf.org.uk so, family and friends can gift with purpose, and give something special that will help to benefit people and nature across the globe.
Charlie Mackesy said: “I’ve always loved elephants and I know they’re struggling. I’ve always thought that their faces look a bit like a heart when you look at them head on and I wanted to draw the intimacy between the boy and the elephant, and I believe our connection with animals is more important now than ever. Intimate, striking, lovely.”
“I was brought up on a farm and I’ve always loved animals and little did I know that during my lifetime so many species would come under threat, so for me to be able to support in some small way what WWF is doing, is a huge privilege.”
WWF’s Christmas campaign is one of the largest and most important opportunities for fundraising, generating vital income to help the fight in bending the curve on nature loss.
This year's campaign aims to recognise the importance of ‘home’, by protecting elephants and other animals’ habitats and supporting ways for local communities to safely co-exist and thrive alongside wildlife.
“Since 1979, African elephants have disappeared from over 50% of their home-range, leaving around 415,000 in the wild today." Mxolisi Sibanda, Regional Manager - Africa conservation programmes at WWF UK said.
"They remain threatened by poaching and their habitat is under pressure and being fragmented, mainly due to poorly planned infrastructure development and expanding agriculture leading to conflicts with people.
“With the help of our supporters, WWF is working hard to protect elephants and their habitats across Africa. We’re delighted to be collaborating with Charlie Mackesy on this vital mission to help one of our planet’s most treasured species.”
To purchase a limited-edition Charlie Mackesy t-shirt or tote bag and for more WWF products,
please visit: https://shop.wwf.org.uk
Find out more about the WWF's work, past and present visit wwf.org.uk
