South Coast women swim to raise funds for wildlife
The event, which is SA’s first and only warm water ocean challenge for charity was scheduled to be held in Durban in June, but has now been postponed to November due to the high e-coli count in the water.
Two South Coast women are taking up the challenge to swim the Oceans8 Charity Swim for the Wild Trust Foundation.
The event, which is SA’s first and only warm water ocean challenge for charity was scheduled to be held in Durban in June, but has now been postponed to November due to the high e-coli count in the water.
Lise Bunge (40) from Oribi Gorge is swimming in the event as she feels concerned that all wildlife is taking a lot of strain and needs help. This includes, protecting the marine life and oceans.
Lise explained that the funds she is raising will go towards Sanctuary of Sharks, Rays and Marine Protected Area Expansion Project, WILDOCEANS Shark and Ray Protection Project and Oceans Alice Project (iSamangaliso).
“The eight mile is a challenge as I’ve only ever swum as far as six kilometres in the sea, so I want to do this one, as I really love taking on a challenge. Sport, a healthy lifestyle and swimming is my life and absolute passion,” said Lise.
Lise trains with coach Mandy Koegelenberg from Blue Oceans Aquatics, who will also be participating.
Mandy (44), also a mother of two children, will be doing the Oceans8 Charity Swim 2022 to raise funds for Project Rhino, which assists wildlife personnel.
Project Rhino was launched on World Rhino Day, September 22, 2011. It is a province-wide, rhino-focussed association that brings together a provincial government conservation body, private and community-owned reserves, rhino owners, leading conservation NGOs and anti-poaching security specialists.
“With this funding, the organisation can continue its fight to stop poaching and do research on how better to save our threatened rhino population. I want my children and one day, my grandchildren to have the privilege of seeing rhinos in their natural habitat alive and healthy. Please help by donating to this worthy cause,” said Mandy.
Oceans8 is the brainchild of five non-profit organisations, that share a passion for open water swimming.
All participants have a starting target of R5000, but obviously if one raises more it’s a bonus.
You can support Lise and Mandy by donating on their BackaBuddy accounts.
We have all faced many challenges in the past two years, but we are slowly getting back on our feet with positive attitudes.
Wildlife has always been an absolute passion of mine, be it in the bushveld or the sea, and it is something I have always taken joy in showing my kids.
The sad and concerning fact is that all wildlife is taking a lot of strain and needs our help. So this year, I have decided to take on a new challenge and swim 8 miles for the Wild Trust Foundation.
They need our help in preserving and protecting our marine life and oceans, and I need all your help in helping raise funds for them. It would make me so happy if I could finish this challenge, and I would greatly appreciate any contribution towards it.
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