Supporters can join a SAWC’s ranger team wherever they are in the world and run, or walk, #ForWildlifeRangers. “Our team of rangers are in training and preparing for race day where they will run 21km wearing backpacks weighing 22kgs for the men, and 10kgs for the women,” said Jeanné Poultney, executive manager of marketing and fundraising at SAWC.

“We would like to invite participants to spend the next two months training in support of our team while raising awareness about the plight faced by rangers across Africa. Your support will help us raise funds for rangers and support our operational teams at the college, including our ranger training team, our K9 unit, and our airwing,” she said.

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The first step of the initiative is to sign up, start training, and get others involved, she said. “Lace up your shoes and run or walk 5km, 10km, or 21km in tandem with more than 100 ranger teams across the continent,” Poultney said. “Be sure to choose ‘Southern African Wildlife College (K9) – Greater Kruger Area’ as the ranger team you want to support.

“If you are running or walking with us, be sure to tag the SAWC on Facebook or Instagram so we can share your stories.” Another way to support the cause is by donating. All Wildlife Ranger Challenge donations will be matched by the Scheinberg Relief Fund effectively doubling a contribution, she added. Go to wildlife.rangerchallenge. org/ to join Team SAWC for the Wildlife Ranger Challenge.