Christopher Tosi, a wildlife content creator who created the #86daysinKruger blog, has raised over R330 000 (€17 127) for the Smile Foundation through raffles and other fundraising initiatives. Using his platform to share captivating wildlife content from Kruger National Park, Tosi has transformed his passion for nature into a charitable initiative.

A three-week trip to Kruger during South Africa’s lockdown in 2020 grew into an 86-day stay. Tosi acquired a new appreciation for the park’s natural beauty. The experience inspired him to create content showcasing Kruger’s wildlife while raising awareness about the park’s rangers and conservation efforts.

“I was the first guy at the gate and the last guy back. You make friends with the rangers and they see you’re doing good work,” said Tosi. His dedication to documenting Kruger’s wonders soon attracted over 500 000 followers worldwide across social media platforms.

Tosi’s fundraising for the Smile Foundation – an organisation providing surgical and psychological care for children affected by facial abnormalities and severe burns – began in collaboration with lodges within and around Kruger. He raffled stays at luxurious accommodations – with 100% of the proceeds directed to Smile Foundation – and raised significant funds, including R40 000 (€2 076), R50 000 (€2 595) and R80 000 (€4 152) at a time.

“The Smile Foundation clocks 50 or 60 surgeries a week. It’s amazing and a well-oiled machine,” Tosi said.

The raffle is now an ongoing fundraising initiative, closing at the end of January every year, offering entrants the chance to win stays at Skukuza Safari Lodge and Nkuhlu Tented Camp.

Reflecting on his efforts, Tosi said: “I’m just showcasing the jewel of South Africa and promoting the lodges and Kruger. The goal is to fundraise.” He emphasised his preference for tented accommodations over luxury lodges as he focuses on creating authentic wildlife experiences for his audience.

Back injuries have temporarily paused his time in Kruger but Tosi plans to return in March this year with ambitions to take his fundraising to new heights. His long-term goal is to raise R8.6 million (€446 340) for the Smile Foundation.