GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - After the front- page article regarding the dire situation at the local SPCA in the Graaff-Reinet Advertiser on 7 March, several members of the community have rallied round to offer support.
Former Ward 2 councillor Linda Botha has started a cash donation drive, and local businessman Brian Hough of Die Smous has offered to act as a collection point.
"I read the article and thought that we, as a community, should really stand together and try and do something about this dire situation," said Linda.
She has asked those who would like to help to take any rand note that they can afford, place it in an envelope and deliver it to Die Smous in Somerset Street by 20 April.
As soon as a reasonable amount has been collected, they will hand it over to the SPCA to help them to stay afloat.
Linda was thrilled to report that one member of the community, who does not wish his name to be mentioned, has already been to some of the major businesses and co-ops in town and been successful in sourcing animal feed, fencing and security wire for the SPCA premises. He has also taken the horses to avoid them being euthanised.
As a fundraising initiative from the SPCA themselves, the organisation will be selling second-hand books in front of Spandau Spar in Caledon Street on Wednesday, 3 April from 08:00 to 13:00. They are still looking for volunteers who can assist an hour or so during the book sale. Anyone who is able to help is asked to contact the organisation's secretary, Sonja Bouwer by email at accommodation@obesa.co.za or SMS or WhatsApp to 0790376942.
They are also looking for donations of books, especially Afrikaans books. These should be delivered to these to the SPCA kennels, where they will be sorted and priced. Sonja Bouwer reported that she has been thrilled with the response from local residents, including a lady with years of experience chairing a sporting committee who is keen to offer her services. Nicola Beldon of Country Mouse Design will design and print a poster, free of charge, for the book sale.
Montego Pet Nutrition has donated a large quantity of wet food for the animals. Some children have also volunteered to walk dogs, but unfortunately, for safety reasons, this will not be possible, as some of the rescued animals have rather unpredictable temperaments.
No doubt the children's enthusiasm will be able to be harnessed in another way!
The committee's next task will be to meet with all the prospective volunteers and channel the goodwill into action, working according to SPCA national rules and guidelines.
The SPCA is very grateful for each and every offer of help.
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