Wildlife Rescue combined charity with the courts at a fundraising padel tournament at Karibu last Friday.
Held in collaboration with Just Property and ActionCOACH, the event raised funds to support the non-profit organisation’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work.

Players competed in 25 matches, each lasting 15 minutes, before a final decided the winners. Sabrina Ericco and her partner Ryan took top honours, with Jaci Wickham and her partner Trevor finishing runners-up.

Founded by Lindy Elmes, Wildlife Rescue assists injured, displaced and distressed wild animals found in residential and commercial areas in Ballito and surrounding communities. Its volunteers respond to calls from as far afield as Zinkwazi and Umhlanga.

The organisation’s aim is to rescue and stabilise animals before releasing them back into the wild wherever possible.

Wildlife Rescue operates as a permitted first responder through Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and works with rehabilitation organisations such as the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).

The organisation does not charge the public for call-outs and relies heavily on community donations to cover expenses such as fuel, medication, veterinary care and specialised animal food.

“Monthly donations sustain our operations. Our bills are huge, so any amount helps,” said Elmes.
Funds also contribute towards plans for a dedicated animal stabilisation facility, which would include a clinic, living area, cages and accommodation for a resident animal carer trained by CROW.
“All that we do is for the animals,” said Elmes.

Elmes thanked the sponsors and community members who supported the fundraiser.