SPCA gets new chairperson

Ms Pamela West is the new chairperson of the Germiston/Bedfordview SPCA.

She recently took over from Ms Michelle Falgate, who has now joined the national SPCA.

The NEWS recently sat down with Ms West to find out what her role entails and how she became involved with the organisation.

Ms West said she became involved with the SPCA in June last year and from then, one thing led to another.

“It started with photographs with animals and social media. From there it became a part of my life and soon I was in the SPCA committee,” said Ms West.

In her new role as chairperson, Ms West is tasked with the primary role of fundraising for the SPCA.

“My primary role includes fundraising and the committee. Secondary to that is the day-to-day running of the organisation,” she said.

Besides being the chairperson of the SPCA, Ms West is also a business manager at a company in Fourways.

She said even though her new role at the SPCA will mean more responsibility, she has the support of her MD, who understands that her new role will have an impact on her business and personal life.

Ms West does not seem overwhelmed by her new responsibilities as she said she has a great committee and understands that the SPCA is not a one man show.

“We have a great committee and through proper delegation and communication, we will use that network to make sure everything runs smoothly,” she said.

Ms West said she has a few vacancies she would like to fill to make sure all the work that needs to be done can be delegated in order to help with fundraising.

In terms of raising funds, she said between the SPCA management, committee, volunteers and the coordinators, are doing well in that regard.

The SPCA hosts book sales, drives, bike runs and other initiatives in order to raise funds.

As part of an initiative to raise funds, the Germiston/Bedfordview SPCA will host a six-a-side football tournament at the Italian Club in Bedfordview.

The tournament will take place on July 25.

The PaintNite at Keg & Crow will take place on July 29.

A minimum of six people and a maximum of eight is accepted per team and R1 000 is the entrance fee per team.

All proceeds will go to the SPCA.

The SPCA will also be running the Big Sponsor a Sterilisation Drive.

Through this initiative, the organisation’s goal is to sterilise as many animals as possible in order to prevent more animals being abandoned.

Ms West urged community members to make a difference by becoming sponsors of this initiative.

The SPCA aims to sterilise 10 animals each week.

The cost for sterilisation is R300.

Donations can be made by sending the message ‘STERI’ to 39026 and each SMS costs R15.

Donations can also be made by making a deposit into the SPCA Germiston’s First National Bank bank account: 6230 391 3843. Use ‘Steri’ as your reference.

Community members who want to take part in the six-a-side football tournament are advised to contact Zayne Ramos on 072 425 0799.

Alternatively, send an email to zayne.ramos@gmail.com