On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Nell Pollak will take on the Salt Pans Ultra Marathon-one of the world's toughest races-to raise funds and awareness for two grassroots organizations in Botswana that provide sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable communities.
Botswana's Okavango Delta, while home to ultra-luxury safari camps charging up to $5,000 per night and sometimes more, is also the country's poorest region. Over 37% of residents live in poverty-more than double the national average-and more than 75% of household heads are unemployed. Persistent drought, extreme heat, and elephant-related crop damage make farming difficult, contributing to high rates of childhood malnutrition and stunted growth.
Two inspiring community groups create sustainable income in Botswana: Pabalelo Trust trains women to harvest mongongo nuts and produce high-value oil for superfoods and skincare. Shorobe Basketry Cooperative supports women artisans selling woven baskets from sustainably harvested palm fronds. Nell, an experienced Africa traveler, will run the Salt Pans Ultra in September-her first Botswana trip-to raise awareness and support for these groups.
By blending traditional skills with modern enterprise, Pabalelo Trust and Shorobe Basketry Cooperative are empowering women, lifting families out of poverty, and protecting the environment. Nell is proud to support this vital work-one basket and one bottle of mongongo oil at a time.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
