Giving back to animals in 2015
JOBURG – These four stories featured people giving back to animals and raising awareness for animal causes, they touched us and made the roundup for 2015.
Many residents in Roodepoort have a heart of gold. In 2015 these four stories of people and organisations giving back to animals gave readers hope.
On 7 March Rumours Lounge rocked out in aid of the Ark Animal Centre. Bands from all genres, performed for no fee. The band, Revery, said that that it was amazing performing for a great cause. Burning Blue was the band that initiated the event as their late band member, Cheynne Holloway, loved and greatly supported Ark Animal Centre. Steve Greenwood, organiser of the event, said that they received donations of everything from diabetic dog food to rubber chew toys and more. They also raised R13 401.70 for Ark Animal Centre.
Pupils from Eagle House Primary School paid the furry ones at Roodepoort SPCA a visit on 4 May. The project was initiated by the pupils after they had heard of horrific reports of animal cruelty in the area. The pupils had bags of treats, toys and blankets to give to the SPCA. The pupils went on a guided tour with Theo Mahube, who encouraged children over 16 years old to come and help at the SPCA over the weekends.
Welridge Academy held a fundraising event for the Pet Empowerment in Townships (PETS) non-profit organisation on 2 October at the school. Children need to learn how to treat animals properly, said Principal Janine Joubert. “There are a lot of people who mistreat animals and I wanted to bring that message across to the children and in the same breath teach them how pets should be treated,” said Joubert. All pupils were asked to bring R10 and pet food for the fundraising. A total of R1 690 was raised and will go toward a fund for PETS to sterilise animals.
Little Miss SA, Noelle du Plessis (13), was approached by Green Wall of Africa as their voice for the youth against wildlife extinction on the continent. Her task involved raising awareness on topics of preserving Africa’s wildlife, in Los Angeles. The official launch of the project was in July. Du Plessis flew to Los Angeles on 6 July where she approached global leaders to join the movement.
