2026 KILIMANJARO CHALLENGE
Empathy. Compassion. Healing.
Animals. Community.
TARGET: R500 000 | $30 000
Support the Society for Animals in Distress (SAID) by supporting Meg Harvey’s summit and the replacement of SAID’s aging vehicle so that they may continue their work with communities around Gauteng, providing veterinary services for working and domestic animals – caring for animals and communities for the well-being of both!
We aim to raise R500 000!
Donate more than R1000 and you get a Mini-Zeus + Your pet or loved one’s name on our Flag!
Donate through Payfast or PayPal
Donate R100 for one name
Donate R250 for three names
The Power of Empathy to Change the Future
This year we partner with the Society for Animals in Distress (SAID) because, like Kusudi La, SAID believes that animal welfare is not just about healing animals, but has the power to demonstrate empathy and caring for all living creatures. Each year, thousands of animals receive veterinary care thanks to SAID’s work in communities where owners are unable to afford essential veterinary care for their animals – working animals on which owners rely for their livelihoods and companion animals that are in need of care and compassion. Our goal is to raise R500 000 / USD 30 000 to enable SAID to purchase a new vehicle so that it may continue its outreach in communities that rely on its support. In the words of CEO, Meg Harvey: “Compassion in action creates safe spaces for animals and builds strong communities.”
Meg Harvey Returns to Kilimanjaro
Meg Harvey is a trailblazing animal-welfare leader, CEO of the Society for Animals in Distress, and Mrs South Africa Top 10 finalist.
She believes that how we treat animals reflects how we treat people and the planet.
Known for doing bold things for the cause, Meg first climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2017 and will return with Kusudi La in 2026 for her 40th birthday—using this iconic summit to drive global awareness and raise critical funds for lifesaving animal-welfare, community outreach, and humane education programmes.
Animals in Distress (SAID) has grown into one of South Africa’s most trusted animal welfare organisations. Operating from a 4.7-hectare facility in Midrand, it houses a veterinary hospital, equine clinic, administration centre. Each year, thousands of animals receive lifesaving and preventative treatment regardless of their owners’ means. SAID remains a beacon of compassion and resilience, standing in the gap for animals in need while inspiring communities through every case treated, child taught, and life saved.
Meet the very handsome Zeus!
We asked Catherine from “Stitched with Purpose” to create something special for Kusudi La. This year she has created mini-Zeus, in honour of long standing and very handsome permanent resident at SAID – Zeus.
Zeus is no ordinary donkey; he’s a true survivor with a heart full of courage. When he first arrived at SAID in 2023, he carried the scars of a hard past: overgrown hooves, injuries on his hind quarters, and a deep fear of humans after being beaten as a cart donkey.
But Zeus’s story is one of resilience and healing. Under the care of SAID, and with the gentle guidance of CEO Meg Harvey, who began her tenure the same year Zeus arrived, he has blossomed. Their bond is something truly special, built on trust, patience, and kindness.
Today, Zeus is loved by all who meet him. His journey reminds us of the power of compassion and the incredible transformation that happens when animals are given the chance to feel safe, respected, and cherished
Our SAID 2026 mini-mascot Zeus joins our team of Kusudi La purposeful adventurers as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime, making an impact one step at a time!
Ways to Give
R500+ | $30+
- Support purchase of a new vehicle for Society for Animals in Distress (SAID)
- Be listed as a campaign supporter
R1 000+ | $60+
- All of the above
- Receive a handmade Mini-Zeus
- Have your pet’s or loved one’s name flown on SAID flag on Kilimanjaro summit
Every Rand Counts.
Every dollar counts.
Together we rise. Together we restore.
Your support fuels the people, pets, and purpose at the heart of Kusudi La and SAID.
Want just a Mini-Zeus?
Order separately for R280.
(excluding Courier delivery costs – South Africa only).
You can also donate a Mini Zeus! Just enter the address where you would like us to deliver to, and we will do the rest! Or we can donate to a SAID on your behalf
Stitched with Purpose
We have collaborated with self-taught crochet artist Catherine to bring you Mini-Zeus with love. In 2012, Catherine lost her right eye due to cancer and lost her job. In 2018, she learned how to crochet toys using pictures and launched her business selling toys on the street in 2019.
These little mascots are more than our team’s hiking companions — they are Catherine’s way of supporting her family and our shared mission to make a positive impact one step at a time. When you donate R1 000 or more, you’ll receive one of her handmade donkey Zeuss — a symbol of how small gestures can create big change.
