Fundraising Events
Taking part in a fundraising event is one of the most energising and rewarding ways to support Wildlife ACT. Whether you're pushing your physical limits, gathering your community, or championing a cause close to your heart, every step you take helps protect Endangered species and their habitats. These events turn passion into action, allowing you to raise vital funds and awareness for real conservation work on the ground.
Here are a few events and initiatives you can explore to support Wildlife ACT through fundraising.
The Rhino Peak Challenge
The Rhino Peak Challenge (RPC) is an annual conservation fundraiser held in the breathtaking Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. This exclusive event challenges a select group of RPC Ambassadors to ascend the iconic Rhino Peak (3,056m) while raising vital funds for conservation efforts.
Since its launch in 2016, the Rhino Peak Challenge has raised over R6 million for its key beneficiaries: Wildlife ACT, The Endangered Wildlife Trust, and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. These funds directly support critical conservation projects focused on vultures, rhinos, and cranes, helping to protect some of South Africa’s most endangered species.
The Rhino Peak Challenge is a physically demanding yet deeply rewarding experience. Each Ambassador undertakes the 21km journey to the summit and back, with no time limit. Participants may walk or run at their own pace, with completion times typically ranging between 4 to 9 hours. Some of South Africa’s top trail runners have participated in the RPC, with the fastest known times currently held by Kane Reilly (2hr15min) and Holly Page (2hr45min).
More than just a physical feat, the Rhino Peak Challenge is a powerful fundraising initiative. Each Ambassador is tasked with securing sponsorships and donations through their personalised fundraising profile. Supporters can contribute directly to an Ambassador’s campaign, and additional funds are raised through the event itself.
The collective effort of Ambassadors and donors has made a tangible impact on conservation, funding essential anti-poaching initiatives, species monitoring, and habitat protection for threatened wildlife.
The Rhino Peak Challenge is an invitation-only event, with Ambassadors selected each year to participate. However, those passionate about conservation and interested in taking on this unique challenge are encouraged to contact Wildlife ACT to enquire about future opportunities.
TUSK Wildlife Ranger Challenge
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge (WRC) is an annual continent-wide initiative that unites rangers from across Africa in a 21km race to raise awareness and critical funding for frontline conservation. Rangers play an essential role in safeguarding endangered species, preventing poaching, and protecting ecosystems, often working in challenging and remote environments.
Organised by Tusk, the event brings together ranger teams from multiple African nations, including South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, and beyond, highlighting their dedication, endurance, and resilience. The Challenge is a demonstration of the physical and mental strength required for rangers to protect Africa’s wildlife every day.
Wildlife ACT proudly participates in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, fielding dedicated teams that exemplify the organisation’s commitment to conservation. Our monitors and technicians, who work tirelessly to monitor and protect priority species, take on this challenge not only to raise awareness and support the incredible work done by our nation’s rangers, but also to raise much-needed funds for conservation efforts on the ground.
The event includes a series of fitness and teamwork challenges that mirror real-world ranger activities, including endurance runs, tracking tests, and conservation problem-solving. It serves as a reminder of the intense physical and mental demands rangers face daily in their fight to protect wildlife from threats like poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
The Wildlife Ranger Challenge relies on global support, and you can help make a difference. Thanks to a matching grant initiative, every donation made towards the challenge is doubled, effectively increasing the impact of your contribution. These funds go directly towards supporting ranger teams with essential training, equipment, and resources needed to continue their critical conservation work.
GlobalGiving’s Match Funding Campaigns
Wildlife ACT is a registered nonprofit on GlobalGiving, a trusted crowdfunding platform that connects donors with impactful conservation projects. As part of this partnership, Wildlife ACT is eligible to participate in GlobalGiving’s match funding campaigns, including the Little by Little Campaign and July Bonus Day, both designed to maximise the value of individual contributions.
During the Little by Little Campaign, GlobalGiving matches all individual donations of up to $50 by 50%, helping small gifts go further. On July Bonus Day, larger donations are matched on a tiered basis, offering an excellent opportunity for supporters to make an even greater impact. These initiatives are aimed at scaling support for critical conservation work such as species protection, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat restoration.
By donating through GlobalGiving during these campaigns, you help Wildlife ACT expand its efforts to monitor and protect South Africa’s endangered wildlife. As an added benefit, tax relief options are available for donors in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, making it even easier to support conservation while receiving potential tax advantages.
Join the Wildlife ACT Family: Community-Driven Conservation in Action
The Wildlife ACT Family is a dedicated fundraising and support network led by long-time champion Jackie Scott. This passionate community helps raise vital funds for Wildlife ACT through creative, volunteer-led initiatives and awareness campaigns. Their efforts offer supporters a practical and engaging way to contribute to real conservation work, while staying connected to the cause.
To explore upcoming activities and find out how you can participate, visit the Wildlife ACT Family website and follow their Facebook page for updates.