The rest of the herd was curious to see me darting about while they slowly foraged for food.

My grandmother wondered what I was doing because, to her, only elephants in circuses need to train, until I told her about the real race against time against AIDS in Africa, and how Oakville has raised more than $260,000 to help out so far towards the goal of $1 million or more.

Small amounts add up, you know!

I found out that since 2003, more than 60,000 Canadian individuals and organizations have enabled the Stephen Lewis Foundation to distribute more than $22 million to more than 250 grassroots projects in 15 countries across sub-Sahara Africa.

Fully 65 per cent of support came from individuals, plus three per cent from schools and youths, with the remainder coming from service organizations, businesses, labour unions, faith groups, and foundations.

Small amounts from people with big hearts.

The Amazing Race Against Time is one way to make your personal contribution to raising funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Teams of four humans will compete for three hours in a series of exciting tasks around Oakville.

Registration costs $25 per participant per team, and each participant must raise at least $150 in pledges and donations in order to run the race.

Everyone is invited, and you should know the event is being organized by some really dedicated and enthusiastic Generation Y volunteers.

The race may be harder for younger children as clues will be challenging to decipher, and some running will be needed to finish on time.

Older humans will have to help younger humans, like older elephants protect our young. Students are especially invited to team up.

Organizer Gillian Zimmerman tells me winning the race depends on teamwork.

Each team will have a must-do task that involves knowing about HIV/AIDS in Africa and ways to combat the epidemic.

Teams can collect extra points through optional challenges demanding creative problem solving, but be careful because you still have to finish on time.

Points will be awarded for completed tasks, efficiency in finishing the race, and monies raised, and will be tallied at the end.

The winning team will be awarded a small prize at the closing ceremonies -- I can hardly wait to see who wins.

So, get your friends to team up, register today, or make sure you register before the deadline of Sept. 14.

The Race Kit Pick-Up Day and fundraising deadline is Sept. 21, and the race itself is Sunday, Sept. 28.

Once registered, you can even set up your own online 'Giving Page.' I tried to get my baby brother and two sisters to join in, but they have to stay with my grandmother in Africa, so instead, I'm getting into shape to volunteer and help out. I hope I see you there.

Halla is a 12-year-old, female African Savannah elephant working with $Million or More Oakville ($MOMO) to support the Stephen Lewis Foundation and the fight against AIDS in Africa. For more information, visit www.millionormoreslf.ca, or call 905-469-6415.

-- Submitted by $Million or More Oakville campaign