PHOTOS: Kloof SPCA’s Virtual Mutt Marathon sets tails wagging
More than 1 000 participants signed up to compete in the virtual event and helped the non-profit organisation raise more than R300 000.
TO raise much-needed funds during the lockdown, the Kloof and Highway SPCA held a hugely successful Virtual Mutt Marathon.
During the week prior to The Mutt Marathon, the management team at the NPO met to discuss the desperate state of its bank balance.
“We were sitting with the figure of R6 staring at us. The mood was sombre and bleak, but instead of capitulating and begging from all sources, we decided to show initiative and fight,” said the Kloof and Highway SPCA’s manager, Barbara Patrick.
The idea to host a virtual event, where people could participate in a number of activities with their animals and their children, was formed.
Participants could sign up to compete in various running and walking distances as well as cycling distances.
“These could be done outdoors in and around their properties or indoor on stationary equipment. The response was overwhelming. We had entrants from Cape Town and Pretoria as well as England and Australia,” said Barbara.
More than 1 000 people, and many animals, participated on the day. “It was a day we will never forget as we were flooded with people’s posts on social media. We tried to respond to every single one to show our gratitude,” she said.
ALSO READ: Barbara’s love for animals knows no bounds
Killarney Brick and Block and Hills have sponsored and helped the Kloof and Highway SPCA for many years and, with their generosity, the event was possible.
“We raised R305 000 and we thank every single one of you who took part and donated. You have all made the difference and you have all given us the belief that we can stay open,” said Barbara.
“We are faced with a mountain to climb with no consistent income due to the abrupt end of all fund-raising events. We will never fail the thousands of animals we are faced with on a monthly basis and we will continue to remain positive and explore every single avenue and give 100 per cent.
“It is not going to be easy but we know with the community who supported us for The Mutt Marathon, anything is achievable,” said Barbara.
The organisation’s thrift shop on Inanda Road at The Junction Shopping Centre has been permitted to sell certain winter clothing, linen, baby items and educational equipment.
It is open from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and on a Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Donations of these goods can also be dropped off at the shop.
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