WWF Launches 3rd Annual Paddle Fundraiser for Global Conservation

WASHINGTON, DC - From August 21 – 23, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) will host its third-annual Panda Paddle, an event designed to encourage people to get out on their favorite body of water, connect with fellow nature lovers, and fundraise for WWF’s global conservation work.

Panda Paddle is WWF’s premier athletic fundraising event aimed at raising awareness and funds for global conservation all while having fun on the water. Panda Paddle connects people to nature within their own communities, even while social distancing. During these hot summer days, WWF encourages people to get out on the water and paddle in whatever form they like – standup paddling, kayaking, canoeing or however participants most enjoy.

Participants register via WWF’s Panda Paddle website and sign-up as an individual or as part of a team. Registration is $35 and there is no minimum fundraising commitment, although there are perks for raising critical fundraising dollars to help support WWF’s global conservation work (like a Panda Paddle race shirt and a Panda Paddle beach towel, among other thank-you gifts). All registrants will receive a Panda Paddle medal. Then between August 21 – 23, participants choose a time and favorite water location and paddle for a purpose. There’s also a competition, for those so inclined. Participants can select a race distance to complete and submit their results to the Panda Paddle team by 11:59PM Pacific Time on August 23 to be included in the tally.

WWF encourages participants to share inspiration with friends and loved ones by posting photos using the hashtag #PandaPaddle.

More details available at WWF’s website, worldwildlife.org/paddle.

Quote from Bre Giovanniello, lead organizer of WWF’s Panda Paddle, based in Washington, DC: “Civilization has given us science, philosophy, art, and so much more. But when I'm paddling on the open water, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the one world we all call home, I remember that civilization is only possible because of the clean air and water, fuel, food, shelter, and other critical services that nature provides. Join us for Panda Paddle as we paddle for a purpose: to celebrate the precious gift we've been given, and to remind people of our sacred responsibility to protect it."

ABOUT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (WWF)

WWF is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, working in nearly 100 countries for over half a century to help people and nature thrive. With the support of more than 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat the climate crisis. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more and keep up with the latest conservation news by following @WWFNews on Twitter and signing up for our newsletter and news alerts here.