Young learners of Montrose Primary School collected items to donate to SPCAs after learning about Mandela Day.
Claire Levin, a teacher at the school explained that around 18 July, Nelson Mandela’s birthday, she first mentioned to the learners the concept of giving their time in celebration of Mandela’s birthday.
Levin said she had briefly mentioned that SPCAs were in need of support but children at the school took it is an opportunity to help. “The next thing I knew, the children were bringing in food, blankets and toys for the SPCAs. Because I walk dogs at the Sandton SPCA, some brought me their goodies to give over, whilst others spent their Madiba Day at the SPCAs donating and giving of their time.”
Learners recently handed over their donations to the Sandton SPCA and the Midrand SPCA. Items included cat litter boxes, blankets which parents had made, food bought by parents and money saved up by children.
She added that one child, in particular, Dylan Zylstra, brought in something to donate every day. Dylan’s cat passed away but he used the opportunity to donate the items to the SPCA. “He brought in the most, out of his kind heart, including cat houses, blankets, food, cat toys, drinking bowls and dog food.
“As there were no incentives and the donations were out of their kind hearts, I think they didn’t expect any recognition and just felt overjoyed that their contributions were making a difference.”
Now that the learners have had the opportunity to give back, Levin said she was confident that they would become volunteers as they got older and give back to their communities.
In the future, learners of grades 1 to 7 will once again assist the Sandton SPCA. Learners will enjoy a Topsy Turvy, where learners are able to dress up in funky outfits, in return for a donation to the SPCA.
“The Sandton SPCA will visit the school on Topsy Turvy day and do a presentation to the learners about the work we do. Funds raised through Topsy Turvy day will be utilised in our outreach programmes in our immediate communities.”
Details: Montrose Primary School 011 783 7575.
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