Girl, dad and soft toy climb 13 peaks for rhinos

Mackenzie Knott, a 10-year-old from Table View will take on Table Mountain’s 13 peaks to raise funds for the non-profit, Fit 4 Rhinos.

The shy girl told Table Talk that she enjoys keeping fit and has a passion for caring for animals, which is why she decided to raise R13 000 for 130 six packs of nutritional milk for the orphaned rhino calves.

On Sunday, June 25, Mackenzie reached two peaks, under challenging weather conditions. She aims to complete the 110km challenge in six days, and joining her on the adventure is her father Gareth, and a soft toy rhino mascot, Hazel-June, because she loves the name Hazel, and June is a reminder that she started the challenge in the month of June.

To date, Mackenzie has raised R1 950 and hopes that her friends, family and community will donate.

“Every little bit helps,” she said.

Mackenzie has painted 13 rocks that she will place at each peak she reaches, so that people can take to social media and raise awareness around organisations caring for rhino calves.

Mackenzie says she can’t stand the idea of having and animal suffer, and her love for animals grew from having pets for as long as she can remember. She currently has three dogs, three cats, and fish.

Not only will she be bonding with her dad on the hiking trails and raise money for a good cause, she said, but she also sees it as a way to inspire to people to keep fit.

“I get very happy when I do this kind of things because its two of the things I love, caring for animals and keeping fit,” she said, adding that hiking helps her focus.

She is a cross country runner and an athlete at her school in Sunningdale, Rallim Preparatory.

Her father reminded her of some of the dos and don’ts when hiking, such as: “No running, take a break, and remember not to get too close to the edges.”

Mackenzie elaborated on how important it is to carry food, such as her favourite snacks - apples and sausage rolls - water, and “staying hydrated”.

If you would like to donate to Mackenzie’s crowdfunding campaign, visit www.givengain.com or call Fit 4 Rhinos at 084 563 1649