A passion for the wilderness, and compassion for the plight of rhinos is what motivated Sian O’Keeffe to initiate an event to raise funds for anti-poaching efforts.
Motivated by veterinarian Dr William Fowlds’ regular written reports on the progress of Thandi the rhino, Sian approached a number of his contacts with the Rhino Run concept. The idea received immediate support from trail running organisers around the country, and took place successfully on 22 September this year. A total of 1753 participants took part in the initiative – which is set to grow into an annual event in the future.
“The only way we will win this war is to ALL band together – no matter where in the world you are, you can help,” says Sian. “Being a trail runner has brought me back in touch with the beauty that is South Africa, and all that this beautiful country has to offer. I believe that we as trail runners have an obligation to step up and fight whenever our precious natural resources are being threatened.”
Five separate trail runs took place at five different centres across South Africa including Port Elizabeth, Durban, Cape Town, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Funds were raised through entry fees, sales of t-shirts and individual donations from runners. In total the event raised R130 000. This was divided equally between the two beneficiaries, with R65 000 each going to the Thandi Rhino Injection Fund and the Endangered Wildlife Trust My Planet Rhino Fund.
Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir received the cheque from Sian O’Keeffe for R65,000 towards the Thandi Rhino Injection Fund on Friday, 19 October, 2012. The money will go towards the specific treatment and care of survivors of poaching. Beyond the treatment requirements of Thandi, this fund will be audited by the Wilderness Foundation and brought under the professional administration of a committee of vets including Dr Fowlds.
Sian O’Keeffe Rhino Initiative Raises R130 000
A passion for the wilderness, and compassion for the plight of rhinos is what motivated Sian O’Keeffe to initiate an event to raise funds for anti-poaching efforts.
Motivated by veterinarian Dr William Fowlds’ regular written reports on the progress of Thandi the rhino, Sian approached a number of his contacts with the Rhino Run concept. The idea received immediate support from trail running organisers around the country, and took place successfully on 22 September this year. A total of 1753 participants took part in the initiative – which is set to grow into an annual event in the future.
“The only way we will win this war is to ALL band together – no matter where in the world you are, you can help,” says Sian. “Being a trail runner has brought me back in touch with the beauty that is South Africa, and all that this beautiful country has to offer. I believe that we as trail runners have an obligation to step up and fight whenever our precious natural resources are being threatened.”
Five separate trail runs took place at five different centres across South Africa including Port Elizabeth, Durban, Cape Town, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Funds were raised through entry fees, sales of t-shirts and individual donations from runners. In total the event raised R130 000. This was divided equally between the two beneficiaries, with R65 000 each going to the Thandi Rhino Injection Fund and the Endangered Wildlife Trust My Planet Rhino Fund.
Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir received the cheque from Sian O’Keeffe for R65,000 towards the Thandi Rhino Injection Fund on Friday, 19 October, 2012. The money will go towards the specific treatment and care of survivors of poaching. Beyond the treatment requirements of Thandi, this fund will be audited by the Wilderness Foundation and brought under the professional administration of a committee of vets including Dr Fowlds.
Wilderness Foundation director, Andrew Muir received the cheque from Sian O’Keeffe for R65 000 towards the Thandi Rhino Injection Fund on Friday, 19 October, 2012.
Alan Straton
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