SANCCOB is hosting a virtual Penguin Run this year to raise funds, and all you need to do is dress up in your best black and white outfit and join the fun!
South Africa (30 August 2021) – Watching penguins run is one of life’s real joys. It this reason that the SANCCOB Virtual Penguin Run takes place each year. The initiative was first launched in 2020 as a way to connect with local and international donors during the lockdown.
Since last year’s race was such a success, the SANCCOB team have decided to make it an annual fundraising event.
So this is everything you need to know about joining, whether you are in South Africa or somewhere else in the world. They aim to raise awareness and funds to aid in the protection of the African Penguin.
“All funds raised go toward SANCCOB’s conservation work. Since 2014, Algoa Bay penguin colonies in the Eastern Cape have lost more than 70% of their breeding birds. The Western Cape population, historically the strong hold of the species, is also suffering a 10% loss per annum and a recent census has revealed that there are just over 10,000 breeding pairs left in the wild in South Africa. If the current population decline continues, the African Penguin could be functionally extinct on South Africa’s west coast in 14 years. This means that there will be too few penguins in the wild to maintain sustainable population levels.
Every bird counts and we’re counting on you! Help SANCCOB save seabirds!”
The race is set to take place on the 24th of September, which is Heritage Day in South Africa. All you need to do on this day is walk or run 5km wearing your black and white costume.
The costume is where the fun starts. Participants are encouraged to dress up wearing black and white in honour of the African Penguin. Participants must then send images of themselves, their loved ones and friends doing the race while dressed up. The SANCCOB team will select the 10 best-dressed participants, and they will win a penguin adoption.
With the penguin adoption, they will get to name a penguin and receive updates about their rehabilitation progress and eventual release back into the wild.
This is how to get involved and make your donation.
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“All you need to do is post your photo on Facebook and/or Instagram and tag SANCCOB using hashtag #VirtualPenguinRun2021 or send your visuals to marketing@sanccob.co.za by midnight GMT+2 on 24 September 2021.
Find SANCCOB on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SANCCOBSavesSeabirds/ or on Instagram @SANCCOB. The more participants we have, the more penguin bellies will be fed, so encourage everyone you know to donate just R50 each to be a part of this initiative.
Donate your R50 here and select ‘Virtual Penguin Run’ from the list of projects then start planning your outfit.”
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