Sandton SPCA Launches 2013 Kilimanjaro Challenge

Johannesburg, South Africa, February 07, 2013 --(PR.com)-- The Sandton SPCA is set to launch its much anticipated 2013 Kilimanjaro Challenge at a prestigious black tie event on the 2nd of March at the Johannesburg Country Club, Woodmead. Following the immense success and overwhelming support for the 2012 Kilimanjaro expedition, where 29 enthusiastic mountaineers raised over R400 000 in aid of the NPO, the Sandton SPCA decided that another challenge would be launched by virtue of the overwhelming public demand.

Funds raised in 2012 were used to facilitate a number of projects at the Sandton SPCA including the ongoing work they do in the township of Alexandra. The project aims at helping to educate the community about caring for animals through involving them in various initiatives in the area. Another undertaking that has benefited from the contribution is the Sandton SPCA youth development programme. Brenton Booth, Chairman of the Sandton SPCA and 2012 expedition leader explains, “The program is in its infancy still, however we have created good initial interest by having several educational focused children days up to this point. A more formal weekend of activities is planned to officially launch the program early this year. The intention of this programme is to involve youths from all walks of life in contributing to the SPCA as part of initiatives either with their schools or in their individual capacity, ultimately creating a culture of responsibility amongst the youth in our area.” The remainder of the money raised was appropriated on much needed improvements and repairs at the Sandton SPCA facilities.

The event on the 2nd of March will serve not only as a launch for the 2013 expedition but also create an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the 2012 expedition. The launch will provide an occasion for potential new mountaineers to meet previous expedition members, share their experiences and get a feel for the upcoming challenge. The evening will also feature an auction, officiated by Park Village Auctioneers. Various memorabilia from the 2012 expedition will be auctioned off including an emotive painting by Lindy Booth, of a young child in Alexandra with his puppy, which is based on a photograph taken at the mobile clinic day in Alex by group photographer Emma O’Brien, entitled ‘Friends’.

For those interested in participating in the 2013 Kilimanjaro challenge, the climb via the Rongai route is set to take place in September 2013 and will once again be lead by international mountaineer and guide, Sean Disney of Adventure Dynamics International. Tickets to attend the launch are still available at a per person cost of R400 which includes a three course meal and entertainment. Contact the Sandton SPCA for more information or to book for an evening that promises to be entertaining and in aid of a worthy cause.