Extreme adventurer, author, environmental activist and Woolworths MyPlanet ambassador, Braam Malherbe and team mate, Peter van Kets, are set for a very chilly Christmas. The pair will be representing South Africa in the toughest endurance race on the planet, the Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race to the South Pole. They will be joining 7 other teams from around the world in the race that stretches over 700km, to create awareness about climate change and raise funds for organisations working on environmental issues through MyPlanet. Devised by Extreme World Races, the competition commemorates the very first race to the South Pole. It has been a century since Ronald Amundsen beat adventurer Robert Falcon Scott to the South Pole in December 1911. Team SA & the Centenary Race to the South Pole Teams leave for Nova, Antarctica on 19 December 2011 for acclimatisation and further preparation. The race will officially begin 1 January 2012. The start is 75km from the Nova base and the legendary Geographic South Pole is the finish line. Weather permitting it is estimated that it will take a maximum of 25 days to complete the race. Passionate conservationist Braam of Team SA says he’s competing for far more than first place: “The Polar Regions are really barometers of our planet. Among the fastest warming places on earth, they respond directly to changes in our climate. Melting ice caps which have resulted in rising sea levels are just one indicator of how serious the issue of global warming is. Far too many of the environmental issues of our time are man-made. We can do better.” “Everyone can do something. I live by the DOT philosophy; Do One Thing. For example, get yourself a MyPlanet card and support an environmental cause. You could also drive your car less or save electricity. Personally I am passionate about supporting conservation groups. That’s why I am associated with MyPlanet, a wonderful initiative that donates a percentage of Woolworths MyPlanet customer cardholders spend to registered conservationists,” concludes Malherbe. Production company Urban Brew will be producing a four-part TV series on the South Pole race, called “Cold Sweat”, which will create awareness on issues surrounding climate change and the effects of ice melting in Antarctica has on South Africa and Africa. “The work Braam has done to promote conservation through MyPlanet is commendable. Woolworths and MyPlanet wish him and Peter all the best and look forward to their safe return,” says Jacqueline De Rojo, Woolworths Loyalty Brand Manager. Ends EDITOR NOTES: Woolworths Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WoolworthsSA Woolworths Twitter: http://twitter.com/woolworths_SA More about Braam Malherbe Braam Malherbe is an extreme adventurer, international motivational speaker, youth developer, TV presenter and author of the best seller “The Great Run” but most of all, he is a passionate conservationist. He has an infectious energy that is fed by his life-long passion to protect the environment. For more information please http://www.braammalherbe.com/extremeadventurer/south-pole-race-challenge/ More about MyPlanet MyPlanet classifies Planets as organisations that focus on the improvement and protection of the environment and animals. Examples of Planets that Woolworths customers support to include SANCCOB, The Society for Animals in Distress, Endangered Wildlife Trust, EWT MyPlanet Rhino Fund, SPCA National Fund, Border Collie Rescue, FreeMe, National Horse Trust, Animal Anti-Cruelty League, WESSA and BirdLife SA. For more information go to http://www.myschool.co.za/schools/myplanet How you can support the Woolworths MyPlanet causes? Get your free MyPlanet card (no monthly fees, no costs to you!) from any Woolworths store and nominate the beneficiary you wish to support. Swipe your card at Woolworths or any of the partner stores when you shop. They will donate a percentage of your purchases on your behalf. 1) If you don't have a MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card yet, simply apply for your free card now and select your favourite beneficiary. Once you start swiping your card the charity of your choice will start receiving funds. 2) If you already have a MySchool card, but would like to change your beneficiary or add a charity, simply call our Client Service Centre on 0860 100 445 or email us on cs@myschool.co.za