Nsefu Wildlife Donor Spotlight: Gunnar Sjoergren!
Today’s Donor Spotlight features our supporter Gunnar Sjoergren!
It is a beautiful day before Christmas and I sat down with Gunnar Sjoergren and his longtime friend Ana and her dog for lunch and had a chat on the patio at the Lazy Dog Restaurant! I was excited to introduce Gunnar to our supporters and to share about how he discovered Nsefu Wildlife and the project he is helping NWCF fund in South Luangwa National Park! Gunnar and I had met a few years earlier at the very first “Rock the Wild” event we put on at the Jolly Joker in Kearny Mesa. It was a busy event, and I was only able to have a brief conversation with him. But fast-forward... I met him again at our 4th annual Toast for Tusks event this past October ...and this time we talked!
Q: Gunnar, where were you born?
A: I was born in a VERY small town called Skeppsgarden in Sweden and currently there are 12 full-time residents I think!
Q: Where and when did your love for travel begin?
A: It started as a kid in Italy and my love for travel in Africa came when I lived in Capetown South Africa in my 20’s working for the Church of Sweden. Our mission was to serve the sailors on the Swedish ships that wanted a little taste of home when they came to port, and we would treat them to Swedish movies and meals etc. I really enjoyed my time in South Africa. I have been to at least 20 countries on the continent with South Africa and Morocco being my favorites. South Africa has so much to offer with the beaches, mountains and of course, the beautiful wildlife. I love Africa. I love the cultures, the flavors, the smells, the friendliness, the simplicity, and being surrounded by the most magnificent animals just makes it so special. In fact, I am going back to Africa again this year.
Q: What line of work are you in Gunnar and what is the name of your business?
A: I always wanted to live in the U.S, and I moved to New York City in 1979. I tried my hand in several different businesses, but after a while, I figured out that I was going to have to do something myself to earn a living. That is when I started Moose International which is a Christmas & Swedish product import/export business. I have many clients in the US and around the world that I supply to. My love for animals is even in the name of my company and in Sweden, the moose is the “King of the Forest”.
Q: Gunnar, we are so grateful you attended our 4th Annual Toast for Tusks last October. What inspired you to attend, and furthermore, what inspired you to donate to fund our much-needed borehole (well) in South Luangwa National Park?
A: I saw you on KUSI TV talking about Nsefu Wildlife and the event you were having. I really wanted to learn more about the foundation and the need for a borehole. I did not have a chance to talk to you at length the last time we met, so I came specifically, to do just that.
Q: After we spoke at the event...we met at this very restaurant for lunch. I explained in more depth about how Africa is truly feeling the ravages of climate change and how droughts have decimated thousands of animals on the continent, and our sector was no exception. You generously donated $4,000 to Nsefu Wildlife so we could get started on digging a borehole with solar power capability, pump and trough that can serve all types of animals in the park. The droughts are getting worse, and you are providing lifesaving water to these animals. And droughts make animals more vulnerable to poaching as animals and people compete for water. It is so important, and YOU made it happen. What I would like to know is if we can get you to our region in Zambia...what would you like to do?
A: I would very much like to sit and watch the animals coming and going from the borehole. I just want to sit quietly and watch them. It makes me happy to know that in some way, I was able to have an impact in their lives ...and water is life.
Yes, it is Gunnar. Yes, it is. On behalf of Team Nsefu Wildlife...thank you sincerely for your generosity.
