On 18 July, Mandela Day, TEARS Animal Rescue got to work, sterilizing and where needed vaccinating 67 animals and feeding even more pets with its Feed Hungry Pets Initiative thanks to the fantastic donations received from the public.
Tinka Shapiro, TEARS Animal Rescue spokesperson, says, “Thanks to our Mandela Day drive, we raised an amazing R95,569 and received 1,537 kg of dog and cat food! It was wonderful to see that the donations kept coming right up until the very end, and the entrance to our kennels was full of much-needed dog and cat food, plus the extra toys, treats and blankets. Our staff were so excited! We are so grateful to everyone who donated, thank you,” she says.
These donations will go towards TEARS’ goal to raise 6 + 7 tonnes of dog and cat food for the Feed Hungry Pets Programme, at a total cost of R300 000. The TEARS Feed Hungry Pets Programme is a popular community programme that subsidises food for families who are struggling to feed their pets. This way their beloved pets are able to stay in their homes with their families and space is kept open in the shelter for animals that really need it, explains Shapiro.
Shapiro says, “Our clinic team did their part too, sterilizing 67 cats and dogs to help keep the pet population under control, the magic Mandela Day numbers. We also gave 67 trays of dog food to One Kennel at a Time, a great local group doing awesome work in the community. Have a look at the awesome video on our socials to see the difference they’re making in Ocean View,” she says.
“We had corporates help out by donating paint for a soon-to-be ready sheltered mini agility area for our dogs to enjoy, especially on rainy days when they can’t go outside. And our thrift stores joined in the fun with 67% off everything for 67 minutes at all their locations,” she says. “What a day!”
“Don’t forget that we still have a few months of this cold and wet winter weather. TEARS is committed to supporting as many families as possible keep their much-loved pets in their homes. If you haven’t already, please consider donating towards this programme,” says Shapiro.
“This freezing weather means we are desperate for warm fleece blankets to keep the dogs and cats we have with us as well as those on the streets as warm as possible. Consider giving warmth this winter by dropping off fleece blankets or fabric at TEARS or donating money towards our Feed Hungry Pets Programme,” she says.
Shapiro says, “Remember that if you are cold outside your pets will feel it too, so please bring your animals inside this winter. Thanks again to everyone who supported TEARS this Mandela Day. It was a big success!”
