Ryan “Choppy” Pike, a 29-year-old model from Hout Bay, will be taking on the Tankwa Crossing, a 207-kilometre ultramarathon from Calvinia to Ceres, in an effort to raise funds for the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha.
Pike intends for the funds raised to go towards the purchase of an inverter in order to help mitigate the impact of loadshedding on the clinic.
Also read: Loadshedding: Here are your options
The race is a gruelling single-stage race with a cut-off time of 50 hours, and it takes place during one of the hottest months of the year, with temperatures reaching around 50°C.
The campaign, which has already raised more than R47,000 toward its goal of R100,000, will help the clinic, which has more patients than its facilities can handle right now.
The funds raised will contribute towards a new inverter to protect the organisation’s digital X-ray machine from potential damage due to loadshedding and the power cuts South Africa is facing.
“The machine is a crucial part of the operation as it allows them to effectively take better care of the animals,” said Pike.
“I’m sure every South African can relate to the frustrations of having to deal with load shedding, which is bad enough. However, the fear of losing a pivotal piece of equipment used to help the animals in your care tends to elevate the stress levels by a couple of notches. Hence the push to raise funds and buy the clinic some insurance in the form of a new inverter.”
Ryan expressed his gratitude towards those who have shown support through messages, follows, or fiscal donations toward the cause.
How to support Distance4Dogs:
- Support the campaign through BackaBuddy
- Donate through Snapscan
- Follow Pike’s Instagram for updates
Also read:
The SPCA rescues nine cats from a filthy, flea-infested house
Picture: Screenshot / BackaBuddy
