Randburg residents raised R12 000 for Owlproject.org through t-shirt sales following a 5km fun run and walk.

The event brought people together to raise awareness about owl conservation while generating funds for the organisation’s education through conservation drive, an initiative aimed at bringing environmental education into more schools and communities across South Africa.

Every t-shirt purchased contributed directly towards practical conservation initiatives, including building additional owl release pens, installing owl boxes at schools and expanding conservation education in township schools participating in the Owl Conservation Club. For Owlproject.org, the achievement demonstrates how community participation can translate into meaningful support for wildlife protection and environmental education.

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Itumeleng Maroga, project co-ordinator at Owlproject.org, explained that the R12 000 raised will contribute towards the organisation’s efforts to expand its conservation work and reach more learners through practical, engaging environmental education.

The organisation has identified three key priorities for its education through conservation drive:
• Building additional owl release pens to support owl rehabilitation and the release process in collaboration with relevant wildlife professionals,
• Installing owl boxes at schools to create opportunities for environmental learning and encourage greater understanding of owls, their habitats and their ecological importance and
• Reaching more township school learners through the Owl Conservation Club, helping young people develop an appreciation for biodiversity and become active participants in wildlife conservation.

“These initiatives aim to connect conservation education with practical action,” says Maroga. “By introducing learners to the world of owls and the environments they inhabit, Owlproject.org hopes to inspire curiosity, challenge misconceptions and encourage a lasting commitment to protecting wildlife.”

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Maroga added that raising R12 000 through t-shirt sales and donations is an encouraging milestone for Owlproject.org. “We wanted this event to be about more than walking or running 5km. We wanted people to understand that they can play a role in conservation, and that even a simple act, like purchasing a t-shirt, can help us reach more learners, build additional release pens and install owl boxes at schools,” he said. “We are grateful to everyone who supported this vision.”

The 5km fun run and walk forms part of Owlproject.org’s broader mission to promote owl conservation through education, awareness and community engagement. The organisation continues to encourage schools, businesses, residents’ associations and individuals to become involved in conservation initiatives that help protect owls and their natural habitats.

With the funds raised through t-shirt sales, Owlproject.org will continue working towards its goals of building additional owl release pens, installing owl boxes at schools and expanding the Owl Conservation Club’s reach in township communities.

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