With the recent announcement that the Krugersdorp Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will be closing its doors at the end of March, the public were not only outraged but concerned about the future of the Roodepoort branch.
One of the pertinent questions that were raised was whether the closing branch did enough as far as fundraising was concerned.
The Record spoke to Roodepoort SPCA as well as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (NSPCA) chairperson Christine Kuch.
Kuch made it clear from the outset that she is not scare mongering or laying a guilt trip on the public but rather pointing out the two biggest threats to the SPCA’s success.
“We want to make it clear that we are not in trouble or saying we are going to close down but rather that we could be more successful,” Kuch explained.
“The two issues that pose the biggest threat to our success is the public misconception that the SPCA is a government institution and therefor gets money thrown at us and public apathy.
“Currently we are running at a lost because of this. Even the affluent people sometimes tend to rather use the SPCA’s services than paying more for a private veternarian which means we can not help those who really need the help. Of course we will always make an exception for sterilization,” said Kuch.
She explained that people in the community did come forward and offered their help but they do not realise that it can only be an onetime effort. She also says the public does not understand that if they join the committee it is not on an operational level but rather to come with solutions to keep the branch functioning successfully.
“We have to get to the point where the public gets involved and it does not necessarily means spending money,” said Kuch before she expounded on the variety of ways a person can contribute to the success of a branch.
“Although we appreciate such efforts as tin-shaking on a Saturday morning there are many more ways to contribute. Serving on the committee and offering your personal expertise is one great way. Currently we have a vet on the committee as well as an attorney but we would love to maybe have for example a councillor or a person who are good at getting businesses involved.
Kuch said sponsoring a kennel would go a long way in alleviating the financial pressures of a branch. Getting a free MySchool card means one to five per cent of what a person spends will be donated to charity according to her. She also said with the Smartshopper card points can be turned into money to be donated to charity as well.
She admits that becoming a member at R150 per year does not get a person anything in return but enough such contributions can go a long way.
“Donating to the charity shop and bookshop also creates a win-win situation — someone will find a bargain and obviously the money goes to the animals.
Leaving something in your will is another way of substantially contributing to the welfare of a branch. Businesses should also get involved. Supermarkets for example can sponsor our monthly cleaning materials bill,” says Kuch.
She also says the the average person on the street should get creative in helping.
“Maybe raffling a bottle of wine between colleagues at work or once a month taking an empty basket to work and having your friend fill it with pet related items such as dog food and blankets,” she concluded.
Kuch remains positive that with the support of the general public and businesses the Roodepoort branch will thrive.
