Who we are
Meet the founders
Hello, we’re Helen and Ben, and we call Antwerp in Belgium our home. Our journey together, spanning 20 years of marriage and nearly as many years as entrepreneurs, has been one of shared passions and dreams. We’re driven by our love for nature and a desire to make the world a bit greener and kinder.
Our shared commitment to conservation and our entrepreneurial spirit led us to found the Izindlovu Fund. It all started with a transformative trip to South Africa, where we were captivated by the country’s natural beauty and the inspiring work being done to protect endangered species. This experience sparked our dedication to wildlife conservation, prompting us to create the Izindlovu Fund as a way to support vital projects and make a lasting impact.
As both life and business partners, our combined experience and passion for nature fuel our mission to ensure a better future for wildlife. Through the Izindlovu Fund, we’re committed to nurturing and protecting the natural world, and we’re excited to share this journey with you.
How our journey started
Our journey towards wildlife conservation began in 1999, when we spent our honeymoon traveling through South Africa, passing through the small village of Hoedspruit on our way to the Kruger Park. The beauty of South Africa left an indelible mark on us.
In July 2019, we returned to South Africa with our children to share its wonders with them. Hoedspruit was once again a highlight of our trip, and this time, we visited the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC). There, we were deeply moved by the work being done to protect endangered species and care for orphaned animals.
Among the projects we learned about was HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), which focuses on supporting orphaned elephants. This inspired us to take action. We launched a fundraising campaign from Belgium, supporting HERD’s “1000 Hearts” campaign. With the help of our generous friends and family, we made a significant impact.
Our encounter with the orphaned elephant calf Mopane and the dedication of the HERD team inspired us to establish the Izindlovu Fund. Named in honor of the elephants that touched our hearts, the fund allows us to organize events and raise funds for wildlife conservation initiatives.
We invite you to join us on this journey to nurture and protect wildlife, promote environmental education, and celebrate the natural world through art.
From Elephant Conservation to Wildlife Protection & Environmental Education Programs
What began with a transformative trip to South Africa and a focus on elephant conservation has grown into a broader mission. Over time, our fund has expanded to support not only elephant conservation but also wildlife anti-poaching protection, educational initiatives, and art projects that highlight the beauty and importance of nature. Our experience as both life and business partners fuels our commitment to making a lasting impact on the natural world.
