PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Nature's Valley Trust's (NVT) inaugural Motion for the Ocean virtual event was highly successful for the organisation, with high levels of support and enthusiasm from those who took part.
The event, held from 20 to 22 March, was organised to bring people's attention back to the pressing issue of the health of our oceans, in particular the Bitou coastline.
Besides informing the public about NVT and the work the organisation does, the event was also used as a means to garner much-needed funding for the organisation, but this was a secondary drive.
People from around the world took part in their own capacity, with the virtual format allowing them to choose between running, walking, cycling, swimming or moving in any way they wished.
NVT volunteer David Krone said a variety of people took part. "All over South Africa and the world, people got out and about and dressed in blue, in the name of our oceans. The global reach was fantastic and we had participants in Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and New Zealand," he said. "It was beautiful to see how much people care about Nature's Valley and our coastline."
NVT's conservation educator Kirwan Strydom and his daughter Nina completed a 3km walk/run.
Albeit the secondary drive, the raising of funds proved to be successful, as NVT managed to meet its financial goal, according to Krone.
"The event helped us create valuable awareness of the threats posed to our marine systems and we were able to educate the public about NVT and the work we are doing. We improved our reach and our following over social media significantly," Krone explained.
"Our local community was abuzz and our favourite farm stall, Nature's Way, came to the party and welcomed participants on Saturday with vouchers. They also initiated getting young athletes from Kurland sponsored and participating on the day."
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