WWF-South Africa, the conservation organisation, recently launched the Ride for Nature campaign, which seeks to give nature-loving cyclists the opportunity to combine their twin passions by raising funds and awareness for conservation through cycling.
“We are delighted to offer cyclists the opportunity to ‘pedal for the planet’,” says Dr Andrew Baxter, Head of Business Development at WWF-SA. “Cycling is not only a healthy sport with low environmental impact, but it is also a viable form of green transport, which makes it a natural ally of WWF’s conservation efforts.”
The Panda Peloton, as it has become known, first took to the roads at the 2012 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour where over 160 cyclists donned WWF’s trademark jerseys. Ride for Nature seeks to build on that initial success with the next event being the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge which takes place in Johannesburg on 18 November.
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
In addition to the incentive of making a contribution to conservation, the cyclist who raises the most money ahead of the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge will win the once-in-a-lifetime experience of tracking rhino with WWF rhino experts in KwaZulu-Natal.
“While the horrific spike in rhino poaching over the last few years is nothing short of tragic, it has made people realise just how precious these iconic animals are. We expect this unique experience to be a huge draw card for nature enthusiasts,” says Baxter.
“We are very excited to see the Panda Peloton line up in force on 18 November – a peloton of panda-clad cyclists riding for nature will be an incredible experience,” says Baxter. “But that really is just the start. Cycling has a wonderful ability to make a difference, and our next opportunity will be the 2013 Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour”.
How to join:
- Join the Panda Peloton in your personal capacity or get your work involved and join as a corporate team.
- You’ll be given various tools and tips to fundraise online for conservation by using email and social media to ask friends, family and colleagues to sponsor your race.
- You’ll be required to raise a minimum of R1000 which includes an awesome WWF branded K-way cycling shirt and an early start time with the Peloton.
- To join the Panda Peloton, or for more information, visit www.wwf.org.za/act_now/ridefornature/ or email cycle@wwf.org.za.
- To keep informed, ‘like’ www.facebook.com/WWFPandaPeloton on Facebook and follow @WWFPandaPeloton on Twitter.
