A fundraiser to support two charities that help to save rhinos in South Africa from poachers is being held next week.

The event is the brainchild of Bermuda resident Alet Coetzee, a South African who has worked in orphanages in her native country.

She enlisted a group of friends to help to organise a five-kilometre walk/run at the National Stadium’s North Track.

The event is raising funds for Saving the Survivors and the Rhino Orphanage.

Ms Coetzee told The Royal Gazette: “Something I read that really hit home for me was that rhinos will not make it without our help — there is no way.

“So this is why we are doing it. Every little bit helps.

“One day I saw a post from a seven-year-old who had a birthday party. She didn’t want any presents but wanted to have donations go to the Rhino Orphanage instead.

“I felt if she could do something, surely we could as well. Bermuda is small but we can start somewhere.

“This is the first rhino orphanage in South Africa that takes in and nurtures the babies from the mothers when they have been poached. It is not an easy task because they need 24-hour-a-day attention and people sleep with them in the stalls.”

Ms Coetzee enlisted some friends, Helen Scott, Vanessa Conway and Udene Uys, to help her to organise the fundraiser.

Ms Scott said: “We all went to South Africa on holiday together three years ago. We fell in love with it and all the conservation trips that we did while we were there.

“When Alet started talking about it we wanted to help and support.”

Ms Conway added: “This is a child-friendly event because we want to raise awareness across all ages.

“It is important for children to know about it and get involved.”

The team is hoping to attract about 150 walkers and runners.

There will be prizes including spa and hairdressing vouchers, designer sunglasses, scuba diving, and membership to various organisations.

The prize-giving will take place after the walk, with music from DJ Siid.

There will also be opportunities to adopt a rhino. Cell One and Barritt’s are the official sponsors.

Registration is $30 via racedayworld.com. To find the October 27 event, which starts at 6pm, search for Save the Rhinos