WDC’s Green and Blue Gala to celebrate Earth Day
We recently hosted our very first virtual Green and Blue Gala proudly sponsored by BRITA and produced by 39 Pictures.
170 leaders and innovators in the world of business joined WDC and BRITA to celebrate Earth Day on Thursday 22 April. The event focussed on looking positively to the future – encouraging and showcasing ways that UK businesses can ‘grow back greener’ whilst also raising awareness of the vital work WDC is doing around the globe to protect whales and dolphins.
This star-studded gala was compered by TV presenter and author Rick Edwards, included a food session with sustainability champion Melissa Hemsley and we saw insights shared by two hospitality businesses that are leading the charge in driving sustainable change. There was also a key note speech from BBC Science Editor David Shukman where he spoke about his gruelling experiences on a Norwegian whaling ship and highlighted the dramatic environmental changes he has witnessed over the last decade. Finally, the evening was topped off with a show-stopping performance from KT Tunstall.
WDC also launched its pioneering new Green Whale programme which demonstrated the variety of ways businesses can be part of the solution when it comes to tackling the climate emergency by supporting whale recovery.
Chris Butler-Stroud, Chief Executive of WDC, said: “The gala highlighted how we can all make positive changes in our day-to-day lives – for ourselves and for the other creatures we share this planet with. Our disposable culture is a huge risk to the world’s rivers and seas, with marine debris and plastics impacting whales’ and dolphins’ ability to feed, breathe, breed and navigate. With what we know now about their role as our allies in fighting the climate crisis, it is more important than ever for us to be on their side going forward.
“The gala has shown that when charities and businesses work together we can make a real difference. It has been a pleasure working with BRITA over the last few years and there is lots to do in the future, but we are really seeing change happen. That is the message to take home, each of us can make a positive choice to do something to help whales and dolphins, the environment and the world we share.”
Thank you to everyone at home who supported our very first virtual gala. Thanks again to our amazing sponsor BRITA as well as the incredible 39 Pictures for helping to put this all together.
A massive thanks to our partners Wild Radish for the amazing food, Waipapa Bay for the wonderful sauvignon blanc, Montezuma’s, Rubies in the Rubble, Rosa’s Thai Café and Welsh Sisters gin.
And finally, thanks to the wonderful collection of prizes donated by WDC’s generous partners and corporate supporters, the evening’s raffle raised , a fantastic £5,000. Thank you to our great friends at Polar Latitudes, luxury watch brand Oris, Louis Roederer, Fiorelli, the Varsity Matches, our very own Charlie Philipps and everyone who contributed to the hamper.
If you’re interested in watching a recording of the gala, partnering with WDC or finding out more about the Green Whale Programme, please email [email protected]
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