Cawse reaches out on Mandela Day

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Mandela Day was celebrated with big smiles and wagging tails for Cawse, as members and volunteers handed out 67 pet blankets, 67 packets of pet food and 67 oranges to pet owners in Umasizakhe.

This was part of their outreach program where, every Wednesday afternoon, a team goes to one of five locations (Asherville, Santaville, Blikkiesdorp, Hope Street and Umasizakhe) to dip, powder, deworm, feed and attend to minor medical needs of an average of 60 animals per week.

When possible they hand out additional food parcels, dog beds, pet blankets, collars and leads.

According to Nicola Woods, the founder of Cawse, this allows Cawse to build relationships with pet owners and an opportunity to educate them on how to care for their pets.

Cawse is also collecting data on who owns which dogs, their condition, any puppies or kittens requiring homes, but most importantly, which dogs need sterilisation, so as soon as sufficient funds are available, they can begin regular Spayathons.

"This was my first outreach. I get emotional and attached to animals when I go into the townships and want to bring them all home with me. Since Cawse began a year ago, I have focused my attention on building teams and sub-committees of people who are better equipped and experienced for certain tasks than I am.

Nicola Woonds during their outreach.

"After coming home from the Mandela Day event I thought about my day. I thought specifically of the puppies I was able to help and Jenny, my daughter who went along, and I realised that while I can't help them all, I was able to help two. For them, it makes the difference they need for a better life."

Cawse member, Lee Erasmus, is crocheting a beautiful double bed blanket with the wool that was donated, in shades of grey, brown and beige, which is now being raffled to raise funds for more pet blankets.

Tickets are only R20 each and are available at Camdeboo Veterinary Clinic, Dr Larson Veterinary Clinic, Loop Wool Boutique, THREE 16 Christian Bookshop, Country Mouse Design and from Cawse Members.

Tickets can also be purchased by depositing the funds into Cawse's bank account, with the reference "BLANKETS". Send proof of payment, with your name and contact details via email or WhatsApp.

People from all over South Africa can enter as the blanket can be couriered to the winner.

Cats were also helped.

Cawse is an NPO run by a committee of volunteers and does not receive financial support from outside sources. They rely on fundraising efforts and donations.