14 DAY TRIAL // On February 9, the Dutch Postcode Lottery in the Netherlands awarded the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) with a check for 1 million euros ($ 1.35 million). The contribution is nearly double than what the Lottery gave the activist organization in 2010.
The check was granted the same day the SSCS ship Gojira intercepted the Japanese Nisshin Maru factory whaling ship in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Since the beginning of this whale season, the fleet has been almost completely incapacitated by Sea Shepherd's 'No Compromise' campaign.
At the annual Goed Geld Gala (Good Money Gala), representatives from the Dutch Lottery presented the check to SSCS Chief Executive Officer Steve Roest and Dutch Board Member Laurens de Groot.
The Gala also had a special guest in the person of Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima, who gave a heartfelt speech about the noble and vital work that charities and non-profit groups are carrying out around the world.
Boudewijn Poelmann, the chairman of the Lottery, hosted the eventing. He also praised the work that these groups carry out, saying that many non-governmental organizations are beginning to make a difference in a variety of areas. Sea Shepherd is one of these groups.
“Sea Shepherd's relationship with the Dutch Postcode Lottery started with Captain Alex Cornelissen two years ago, we have since then created a close bond with them and are incredibly grateful for all they have done for us,” SSCS CEO Steve Roest said.
“Unfortunately as Captain of the Bob Barker, Alex is at this time chasing the Nisshin Maru and saving the lives of whales in the Antarctic, so he could not be here tonight,” the Sea Shepherd official added.
“I am extremely proud to be here with Laurens to accept this award on behalf of Captain Paul Watson, everyone at Sea Shepherd, and of course the inhabitants of the oceans we protect,”he said.
“We will make sure this extra funding will be used to provide an additional campaign this year to protect our oceans,” Roest concluded.
SSCS officials say that they are proud to receive funds from the Dutch Postcode Lottery, and organization founded to raise money for organizations that advocate for nature conservation, environmental protection, victims of war, and victims of violence and poverty.
“The increase from €500,000 last year, to €1 Million this year is a clear indication of how supportive the people of the Netherlands and the Postcode Lottery are of the international marine conservation operations that Sea Shepherd undertakes,” Laurens de Groot said.
“I'm very proud to be Dutch tonight,” he concluded.