NEARLY 700 people came together to pledge their support to the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow) by taking part in the annual Walk in the Wild fundraiser at the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve on August 30.

Also read: Become a guardian of the wild at Crow

The 5km fun walk takes nature and animal lovers through a winding route of the reserve filled with scenic views. For many participants, a highlight is always spotting the Stainbank reserve’s famous zebras and bucks.

After the walk, the fun did not end as participants could enjoy a selection of stalls to fuel up on food, take home some interesting trinkets or learn more about Crow and the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve.

They also had the opportunity to win spot prizes for raffles, best animal costume, best picture taken on the walk, the most litter collected on the walk and of course the person who was first to cross the line. This year it was Ntsika Mfeka who made it back first.

Clint Halkett-Siddall, Crow director, said that 683 people took part in this year’s event, which was an increase from last year’s. According to Halkett-Siddall, the walk is not only a great opportunity for the community to learn more about Crow but also to raise vital funds for the organisation.

Also read: Sponsor, support and set free at Crow

“The funds raised through Walk in the Wild make a direct difference to the daily work of Crow. As a wildlife rehabilitation centre, Crow operates 365 days a year and relies heavily on donations and fundraising to provide food, care, medication, enclosures and other essential resources for the thousands of wild animals that come through our doors every year,” he said.

Halkett-Siddall said that it is always special to see so many people come together in support of wildlife.

He extended his gratitude to the Crow staff who worked tirelessly to make the event the success it was.

“We would like to extend a very special thank you to our three main sponsors, SA Home Loans, National Edging and Marshal Tools for their generous support and contributions. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who came out on the day and supported Crow. Every entry, donation and contribution helps us continue our vital work of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing indigenous wildlife back where they belong,” he said.

Keep supporting CROW

While Crow already shifts its focus to next year’s event, the organisation is still calling on the community to keep supporting their endeavours by purchasing the new 2027 Wildlife Calendars. Every purchase of the calendar contributes to the organisation’s efforts.

To purchase a calendar send an email to fundraiser@crowkzn.co.za.

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