Octogenarian gives back to Durban SPCA on her birthday

A DURBAN North granny hopes to inspire others to follow in her footsteps after she donated several bags of cat and dog food to the Durban & Coast SPCA for her 80th birthday.

Jeanette Quinn, a long-time supporter of the SPCA held a Mad Hatter themed party at her home on Thirlmere Place recently.

“My daughter Colleen said she wanted to plan a party for my 80th and I said that would be lovely but I had one condition. I wanted no personal gifts and I wanted all the guests to donate dog and cat food to the SPCA. I just thought at my age, what more do I need. I have a home and a loving family, all I want is to help the SPCA who do such amazing work,” she explained.

“I had a few family members and guests who couldn’t make it who were outside the province. What was lovely was they all committed to donating to their respective SPCA’s in their areas. I was aware the Springfield SPCA is currently facing a food shortage and I really hope to inspire others to follow suit and help make a difference to an association that does so much for the animals,” she said.

Our most read story this week: WATCH: Durban Uber driver hits the right notes

Quinn, had been in the scout movement for 30 years, said she was always charity driven to help others.

Her daughter, Colleen Baptie, said her mother was an inspiration to everyone.

“We recently adopted a dog called Marley from the SPCA after losing a beloved family pooch. I think so many people underestimate how much the SPCA does for animals in the province and other animal shelters. They are champions for the voiceless and we are just ordinary people hoping to make a difference. In planning the party, I also bought some of the decorations from the SPCA shop which was another way of giving back. I hope other residents follow suit and will be inspired by my mom’s big-hearted gesture,” she said.

For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram