With COVID-19 hitting the global economy hard and tourism dollars dwindling across the globe, destinations relying on tourist revenue need funding more than ever. Enter Uganda.

Like so many others, Uganda, a bucket-list, adventure seeker’s dream destination for gorilla trekking, had to temporarily eliminate tourism, which previously funded Uganda Wildlife Authority’s anti-poaching units. UWA works to protect Uganda’s wildlife from poachers, but due to the funding decrease, UWA patrols are only able to operate at 60 percent their normal capacity. This leaves an opening for poachers to take advantage of at-risk wildlife.

In response, The KAI Foundation is partnering with Care for Rangers and Africa Wild Explorations to help raise funds to support Uganda’s anti-poaching efforts.

In order to raise funds, awareness and give wildlife-loving travelers a little wanderlust to look forward to, The KAI Foundation is raffling off two gorilla trekking permits (required for all tourists) for Bwindi National Park. The permits allow travelers to see these incredible animals in their natural habitats and are valued at $1,400.

Raffle tickets are $25 each, or five for $100. There is no limit to the number you can purchase and the winner will be drawn July 12. Permits are valid through Dec. 31, 2022, and can be transferred.

All profits from the raffle sales go toward feeding and properly outfitting the rangers through partners at Care for Rangers. On average, $20 covers one ranger’s daily salary and food — the two most pressing needs for the UWA anti-poaching units. Any additional funds raised will then go toward protective gear and first-aid kits.

For every $25 donated, one entry will be entered into the raffle (or five entries for those donating $100) — for all other generous donors, contributions of any size will be accepted and greatly appreciated as they go a long way in protecting Uganda and giving back to the community of rangers.

Tickets can be purchased by sending a check (payable to The KAI Foundation) to The KAI Foundation, 80 River St., Suite 4E, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, or via PayPal here.

Read more about the cause here.

Side note: Raffle prize includes permits only and winner is responsible for all other travel arrangements.