Cars4Good Drives New Support for the NSRI

The NSRI’s Cars4Good campaign is proving that a compelling prize can also power meaningful change.

The fundraising initiative, launched in partnership with Suzuki Auto South Africa, gives supporters the chance to win a Suzuki Jimny 5-door while directly supporting the NSRI’s rescue, lifeguarding, drowning prevention and marine animal rescue work.

Following strong public interest since its launch, the campaign is already exceeding expectations.

Why the Jimny Has Captured Attention

At the centre of the campaign is the vehicle.

Powered by a 1.5L engine and equipped with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO 4WD system, the Jimny combines off-road capability with everyday practicality. Its rugged styling, generous ground clearance and expanded cabin space have made it a natural fit for the NSRI’s adventurous, outdoors-focused brand.

The NSRI has also taken the campaign beyond traditional fundraising channels.

“We have four promotional Jimny's getting out in the public,” explained NSRI Head of Performance Marketing Alison Young. “Each of them is branded to represent a different pillar of work the NSRI does – rescue, lifeguarding, animal rescue and drowning prevention.”

She added that upcoming collaborations with influencers and social media campaigns are expected to increase the organisation’s reach further and attract new supporters.

Supporting Life-Saving Work

For the NSRI, the real story lies in what each entry makes possible.

“Every Cars4Good entry is much more than a competition ticket,” explained NSRI Business Development Manager Dirk Coetzee. “It is a direct contribution to the NSRI’s purpose of saving lives, changing lives and creating futures.”

The funds raised support the full breadth of the NSRI’s work across South Africa – from rescue operations and lifeguarding, to drowning prevention, water safety education and marine animal rescue efforts, including whale disentanglement.

“The NSRI responds free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across South Africa,” Dirk said. “Every ticket sold helps keep rescue-ready crews on the water, lifeguards on beaches, water safety instructors active in communities, and life-saving resources where they are needed most.”

Public Support Continues to Grow

The combination of a desirable vehicle and a meaningful cause resonates strongly with the public.

According to Alison, the campaign has already exceeded expectations.

“Our ticket sales for Cars4Good thus far have demonstrated a 30% increase on last year,” she said.

Alison added that while the NSRI initially focused on existing supporters, the campaign has also attracted new donors.

“We have a loyal base of donors, and the response has been overwhelming. That said, we have also managed to attract an entirely new audience with the Jimny, increasing our proportion of new donors.”

NSRI Business Development Manager Dirk Coetzee believes much of the appeal lies in the simplicity of the concept.

“I think a big part of it is the strength of the concept: a fantastic Suzuki Jimny 5-door prize, a simple and exciting way for the public to participate, and a very real life-saving purpose behind every entry,” he said.

The first Jimny draw is scheduled for 15 July and will take place live alongside the NSRI’s Monthly Giving Competition draw. According to Alison, the winner will be contacted during the live event, and the vehicle colour will be chosen by the winner, subject to available stock.

Tickets cost R695 and include entry into the four prize draws throughout the year, with only 45 000 available. Entries can be made online via the Cars4Good campaign platform or by scanning the QR codes displayed on the touring Jimny vehicles.