SPCA’s Kilimanjaro Challenge goes virtual

A SPCA takes on an old challenge in a new way.

The 6th annual SPCA Adventure Kilimanjaro Challenge is set to virtually kick off on 18 July. The five-day challenge will see 25 climbers, who would have departed from Johannesburg for Kilimanjaro, take to the streets to complete 10 000 steps or a 10km cycle every day from 18 to 22 July.

Each year, the Sandton SCPCA looks for 25 adventures who would like to climb Kilimanjaro for a cause. The virtual challenge was launched when this year’s climb had to be postponed to July next year due to the coronavirus. According to volunteer Zanri Marais, what makes this challenge so unique is the fact that every step or kilometre cycle must be done uphill to reflect the climb up the mountain. “You can walk, run or ride in your neighbourhood, climb the stairs in your home or run around your garden,” she said. Project champion Stephanie Brown will be doing her part by running up and down the sloping hills of Parkurst for a total of 20 000 steps per day. “This is a good challenge, but like Kilimanjaro, it’s an achievable goal,” said Brown.

Participants can walk, run or cycle at their pace. “When it comes to climbing mountains, the golden rule is ‘pole pole’ (Swahili for [slowly, slowly’) to help climbers acclimatise to altitude,” added Marais. The goal for the annual expedition is to raise R1 million for the Sandton SPCA. “The health and economic crisis has disrupted fundraising in an already vulnerable sector given the welfare needs in the country. SPCAs receive no government funding and play an important role in the protection of animals,” added Marais. The goal however for the virtual challenge is to raise R150 000. Brown aims to raise R5 895 or R1 for every metre of Kilimanjaro.

Details: ask@spcaadventurechallenge.com

Related articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/278348/please-give-us-a-second-chance/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/261834/sandton-spca-shows-appreciation-to-their-inspectors/