28 March is Earth Hour 2009. One Hours Darkness for a Brighter Future!

In March 2007, more than 2.2million families and businesses turned off their lights in Sydney, Australia to take a stand against global warming. Just one year later, Earth Hour reached 370 cities and towns across 35 countries and 18 time zones showing that the campaign had changed from a Sydney event to a global movement. International landmarks such as Rome’s Coliseum, the Coke billboard in Times Square, New York and the Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai switched of their lights for one hour showing their commitment to change.

Earth Hour 2009 had the ambitious target of signing up 1000 towns and cities worldwide. By 18 March, 1189 locations spanning 80 countries have shown their allegiance to the cause and have pledged their support with more people joining on a daily basis as the word spreads. From New Zealand, Asia, Africa to Europe and the Americas, the lights will be turned off at 20.30 local time and parties, concerts and celebrations will be held to honour this historic occasion when the world votes as one. WWF South Africa hopes to inspire 1 million dwellings and offices to turn off their lights and the eScape Route will proudly join Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Knysna to mention a few.

It is hoped that this resounding support will show that a global vote for action on climate change has been cast and when the world’s leaders meet at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen later this year, they will recognize the urgency for transformation.

Over the last few months, the people of Stutterheim have shown amazing community spirit working together to save the wetlands, schools involvement with eScape ventures and the upcoming events for charity. So come and join us for a candle lit meal at the Eagles Ridge Country House or sit beside a bonfire, sipping Gluhwein at Yellowwood Creek on Saturday 28 March. What better way is there to celebrate Earth Hour than to rest at the edge of our beautiful, pristine, indigenous forest, home to the endangered Cape Parrot and appreciate what we have? If you’re at home with friends and family remember to cast your vote by switching off the lights from 20.30-21.30 on Saturday 28 March because one hour is all it takes. Let’s put Stutterheim on the map!