Hundreds of humans and their furry companions turned up for the Woefie Wandel 2024, held for the first time at the Green Point Park in Cape Town on 17 November. This annual fundraising event in support of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA drew a phenomenal turnout for a day of dog-friendly fun and fundraising for animal welfare.
Woefie Wandel ticket sales raised an incredible R148 000, surpassing the original goal of R110 000 to help the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. The event saw 1 027 attendees, including 1006 humans and 668 dogs, all enjoying a fun 1.3km or 1.9km walk in the Green Point Park.
“This year marks the third Woefie Wandel we’ve had the privilege of sponsoring,” said Genevieve Adams, Marketing Manager for Absolute Pets. “Our friends at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA do such incredible work for various animals in need and we are honoured to once again, support this fantastic event and play a part in their mission to help those animals.
The Woefie Wandel and Pet Fair has become a fixture on the calendar for animal lovers and their dogs. Aside from the two walking routes, there were express grooming services, vaccination stations, training demonstrations and a number of spot prizes – including happiest dog, smallest dog and dog and owner dress-alike. A highlight was the “Mutt and Me” competition where one photogenic pooch was chosen to be the face of next year’s Woefie Wandel.
“Every dog deserves to know the joy and comfort of a loving family,” says Belinda Abraham, Spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. “Woefie Wandel is a day for celebrating the love people have for their pets, but it’s also a reminder of the enormous need still out there. The SPCA takes in an average of 65 stray and unwanted animals every single day of the year. It isn’t easy for any of us and to have the community rally behind our efforts means more than words could possibly say”.
MC Kurt Schoonraad entertained the crowd, while the City also showed its support with Cape Town City Councillor JP Smith in attendance.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better venue or more enthusiastic participants. Green Point Park was the perfect location, and the energy on the day was simply unmatched,” added Adams.
