Motivated to be more active, Vicky Tu chose to trade her “couch potato” days for the heights of Mount Toubkal in Morocco to raise funds for the Sandton SPCA animals that changed her life.
Sandton, South Africa (29 April 2026) – Vicky Tu might have called herself a self-confessed “couch potato,” but when she finally decided to swap the sofa for a physical challenge, she made sure every step counted.
Last month, Vicky took a massive leap of faith by summiting Mount Toubkal in Morocco. At a staggering 4,167 meters, the mountain stands as the highest peak in North Africa. What started as a simple spark to get moving and exercise more quickly evolved into a journey of giving back.
As a proud “pet parent” to rescues from the Sandton SPCA, Vicky has seen firsthand the uphill battle the organisation faces with limited resources. Driven by her love for her furry friends, she chose to dedicate her climb to supporting the SPCA’s vital work in animal welfare.
“I signed up to climb Mount Toubkal not really knowing what to expect, as I have never climbed a mountain before. I did think it was a great opportunity to raise funds for the Sandton SPCA, and that was one of the things that kept me motivated when training got tough,” said Vicky.
Her relationship with the SPCA began in 2019, the Sandton Chronicle reports, when Tu suffered from depression, and her friend encouraged her to adopt a dog. Vicky visited the welfare where she met Simba – a doggo she immediately fell in love with. She later adopted two more dogs, Nala and Kiara.
The selfless volunteer flew the Sandton SPCA flag high in Morocco. Despite the challenges that she faced, Vicky managed to raise R23,150 for the charity.
“Even though I was disappointed that I did not make it to the summit, it was a wonderful experience. The part that I climbed was beautiful, and seeing people living in small villages in the middle of nowhere was eye-opening. I also got to experience a bit of the Moroccan culture, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I am glad that I went on the trip, and I hope to go back one day to reach the summit”.
The SPCA shared its heartfelt appreciation for Vicky, expressing how proud they were of her commitment to this journey. Her dedication has made a meaningful difference, enabling the team to continue their vital work caring for countless animals in need.
Sources: Linked Above
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