Struggling to hold back the tears, Ashley Harris tried to find the words to express her gratitude for the support of the Picnicforacause fundraiser on 27 May.
Harris is from the Woodrock Animal Rescue, a non-profit organisation that rehabilitates and re-homes abused, stray, neglected, homeless, injured, ill, geriatric or unwanted animals in Hennops River Valley on the R511.
Picnicforacause, solely marketed and organised on Facebook, selected the rescue organisation as the charity to receive donations after the first picnic of the year. The picnic, held at Delta Park, now its third year, calls residents to enjoy the fresh air with their dogs.
Food donations, blankets and toys for all the animals at the rescue were collected during the picnic. There was also an opportunity for pet owners to microchip their animals for a fraction of the cost.
Founders, Kerryn Elske and Ashley Roberto said they simply wanted to make a difference when they came up with the idea of hosting regular picnics in aid of various charities and organisations. “The idea came to us at around the same time and we decided to go for it,” Roberto said.
Starting out small with seven attendees at their first picnic, the event has grown to over 100 people.
“We now host it twice a year. A winter drive and then in spring,” she said.
Harris, who said Elske and Roberto reached out to them, said the donations would make a big difference. “This is so amazing, so heartwarming. Especially seeing young people do this,” she said.
The Woodrock Animal Rescue currently is home to 150 dogs, 20 cats, seven donkeys, ducks, chickens and bunnies – all rescued.
The non-profit organisation relies entirely on public support to, pay their monthly veterinary bill of about R40 000, among other costs.
The Woodrock Pet Hotel, which is a luxurious boarding kennel for your furry friend, funds the rescue as well.
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Details: Picnicforacause Facebook page and to contact the rescue email hello@woodrockanimalrescue.co.za or call 076 15 4439.