Gerner all set to climb for Claw

Did you know, it takes an average of 38 960 steps to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? With every step, Claw veterinary nurse Jennifer Gerner, pictured, of Edenvale, Johannesburg, will ascend the highest mountain in Africa in a quest to help improve the lives of thousands of animals in need.

Gerner is originally from Canada but moved to South Africa in 2009, specifically to work at Claw. Her background is in emergency veterinary medicine and she thought the animals in the township could benefit more from her skills than in Canada.

“Animals have always been my passion, and my life, and working at Claw gives me the sense that I am making a difference in some small way.

“If it is just to give them warm blanket, or a good meal, it might be something small but hopefully it makes a difference to that one dog or cat,” says Gerner.

“Nothing makes me feel better than seeing a dog or cat that I helped returned to their owner happy and healthy, or find an animal that was unwanted by one family, find another. I believe in Claw and the work that we do, it is my passion in life.”

Although fighting fit, Gerner says climbing mount Kilimanjaro is going to be one of the hardest things she has ever done, both physically and mentally, but she’s determined to do it.

“I have been a member of a gym for over 15 years and I go four times a week. I also have a personal trainer who is tailoring

a workout plan specifically for this climb. She has also worked out a meal plan for me for the next six months to maximise muscle gain and work on strengthening my core. I will also be training in nature reserves near my house and working on my cardiovascular system.”

Gerner’s closest friend of 15 years Darlene Leonard will be climbing with her, as well as fundraising for Claw in Canada. Leonard is a professional athlete and competes in spartan races all around North America.

“Darlene is my motivation and my rock,” adds Gerner. “Nothing about this climb scares me, I think it will be a trip of a lifetime and I am so excited that I have my closest friend to share this with.

“Failure is not an option for me, and I am determined to summit Kilimanjaro and plant the Claw flag at the top!”

The duo plan to start the climb on September 6 and end their trip on September 13.

Claw has created a Facebook called “Kilimanjaro for Claw” and has so far raised about R4 000.

The goal is to encourage people to sponsor a step, which costs R10, and the goal is to fund raise for 38 790 more steps.