Kia Congratulates Environmental Crusaders

SYDNEY – Nov 5, 2012: Kia Motors Australia congratulates environmental crusaders Daniel and William Clarke for winning a ‘double whammy’ at the recent Pride of Australia Medal Ceremony.

The Sydney brothers were awarded the Environmental Medal for their unrelenting work in helping save the natural habitat of the orangutans of Borneo and Sumatra.

The pair also won the much-coveted People’s Choice Award, an award voted on by the Australian public and received a $10,000 donation for their chosen charity. There were 70 other nominees.

In June this year Kia Motors Australia provided the family with a new Grand Carnival people mover, initially to help the boys’ roadshow their book over a one week period.

After witnessing the boys’ determination and passion toward their crusade, Kia decided to continue supporting the family by adding the boys to the Kia Ambassador Program, now providing long-term support to their endeavours.

“Having seen first-hand the passion and determination of these two young men it was an easy decision to lend Kia’s support in their quest,” Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer Tony Barlow said.

“They are very impressive people with a social and environmental awareness well beyond their years. Kia believes they thoroughly deserve the accolades that have come their way.”

Daniel (16) and William (14) have been on a mission for more than five years to save the orangutan species, which is in grave danger of extinction due to habitat loss.

Despite Daniel having Cerebral Palsy and being mostly confined to a wheelchair, together, the boys have raised more than $650,000, self-published their own book, Tears in the Jungle, and are on their way to achieving their goal of raising $1 million.

“Being recognised for our efforts to help save the orangutans of Borneo and Sumatra is a huge honour and we are overwhelmed by the support from everyone around Australia. We are thrilled that the $10,000 is going to protect 33,000 acres of orangutan habitat,” Daniel Clarke said.

The Orangutan Project Safeguard Program funds Wildlife Protection Units and Wardens – frontline forest patrols that help deter illegal logging, land clearing and wildlife crimes that are destroying the rainforest and endangering many wildlife species, particularly the orang-utans.

Daniel and William’s generous donation will go towards protecting approximately 33,000 acres of prime orangutan habitat in Borneo and Sumatra, and will support further Wildlife Protection Units to operate in these areas.

“It is amazing to see what we have achieved since the start of our quest and the support that we have gained along the way. Our Goal is to inspire kids all over the world to find and follow their passion in life whatever that may be. We can all make our world a better place,” William Clarke said.