THORNHILL – African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary near Thornhill will host a major fundraising event on 29 August, with families invited to enjoy a day of food, games, live entertainment and The Amazing Race Junior while supporting the sanctuary.

Bernadette Loock, co-owner of the sanctuary, said the event is being held to raise much-needed funds to help keep the sanctuary operating.

“The fundraising event is an opportunity for us to raise some funds to keep us going and keep the doors open,” said Loock.

She said the event will include food stalls, games for children, jumping castles, a DJ and live music, with singer BenjaminG set to perform.

Loock said there will also be lucky draw prizes where visitors can pay a fee, add their name to the draw and stand a chance to win a prize, with the draw scheduled for around 13:00.

“It will be a fun-filled day for friends and family just to come out and relax with the animals and to see what it’s all about, embrace nature, and a lot of fresh air,” said Loock.

She said The Amazing Race Junior will form part of the day’s activities, offering families a scavenger hunt-style adventure within the wildlife sanctuary.

Loock said each clue will lead teams to their next task, which must be completed before they receive the clue for the following challenge.

“Experience adventure while learning about the wildlife sanctuary in the most fun and adventurous way,” said Loock.

She said teams needed to consist of between three and five members, with participants aged five and older.

Loock said each team needed to include at least one parent or adult to ensure the safety of the children and make the event a fun family experience.

While entries for The Amazing Race Junior have closed, she said spectators are welcome to attend and cheer on the teams at regular sanctuary pricing, while vendors will also be available for visitors to support.

Loock said they would appreciate donations of one or more bags of food stock from the following list in support of the sanctuary: cat food, canary feed, sunflower seeds, white millet feed, red millet feed, mielies, crushed corn, lorikeet feed, mynah feed, flamingo feed, chicken feed and cattle all-in-one.

She said she is also hoping for strong public support to make the fundraiser a success.

“I’m really praying and hoping for a nice big turnout, and I’m looking for all the support I possibly can get to get as many feet through the door as possible,” said Loock.

“Without the public, it won’t be a success, and I really need this event to be a success.”

The event will run from 10:00 to 16:00 on 29 August at African Dawn Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary in Thornhill.

Doors will be open from 09:00 to 17:00 for the general public, with a 25% discount on offer, bringing prices to R90 for adults, R45 for scholars and R25 for preschoolers.

For more information, contact 066 016 3791.

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