Belgian World Rally Championship driver Thierry Neuville has revealed a donation of 2000 Euro (NZD$3440) to Project Jonah New Zealand after finishing fourth in Rally New Zealand.
Neuville, 34, is a veteran of the WRC having first competed in 2009, his first full season in 2012 including a fifth placed finish at the last WRC event held in New Zealand.
Each country the WRC visits, Neuville selects a local charity to represent over the weekend, donating a portion of his winnings to their cause after competing. Project Jonah was the charity of choice for the Hyundai Shell Mobis WRT driver for the New Zealand trip, Neuville recognising the work they do in a Facebook post before the event began.
“For Rally New Zealand, I will support a great charity called Project Jonah New Zealand,” he began.
“Saving whales since 1974, Project Jonah is a New Zealand charity focussed on inspiring people to care for marine mammals (whales, dolphins and seals) and the oceans they call home. New Zealand has earned its reputation as the whale capital of the world due to the diversity of whales and dolphins found off its coasts,” the post continued, sharing information obtained from the organisation.
“But sadly, mass strandings of these animals are also common here, and Project Jonah’s ambitious objective is to ensure well-trained and knowledgeable teams are available to respond to every stranding.
“We provide training and educational material countrywide to equip boats users, government staff, schools, communities and individuals with the skills they require to identify whales in trouble and act appropriately.
“Education and community engagement are key, and Project Jonah are proud to inspire and empower New Zealanders to take action, by giving them the practical skills, understanding, and resolve to protect our marine life and oceans,” it concludes.
Project Jonah also went on to confirm the partnership through their own post.
“The World Rally Championships are visiting the Auckland region this weekend. Thierry Neuville is one of the drivers, who chooses a local charity to donate to in the country he is visiting.
This weekend he has chosen to support Project Jonah ‘for the amazing and very important work you are doing’,” the organisation stated on Friday, also sharing a photo of General Manager Daren Glover with Neuville.
Neuville also shared the image to his page.
After finishing fourth in the event, Neuville posted on Facebook yesterday confirming the donation.
“Following our 4th place at Rally New Zealand I will donate 2000 euros to Project Jonah New Zealand who is doing a truly amazing job to care for marine mammals (whales, dolphins and seals) and the oceans,” he said.
Neuville has earned a reputation as one of the more charitable drivers in world racing, committing 2000 Euro to a local charity at each event he races.
Previous examples include the Red Nose Day organisation in Belgium, a group supporting mental health awareness, and Association Reves in Argentina, a charity which assists sick children achieve a dream.
The donation has instantly made the driver a fan favourite following the event and is appreciated by many.
