Bedfordview community rallies behind animals in need
“When you see community members arrive on the day of the walk, it really makes you feel delighted,”
In an effort to help animals in need, a group of community members have launched a donation drive.
The four-month campaign was officially launched on September 6 during a spinathon at Virgin Active Bedfordview and will culminate with an annual Christmas walk through Bedfordview on December 25.
The eight-kilometre Christmas walk brings the community together for a morning of fun as some get dressed up as elves and socialised pets on leads join in.
Founded by Marlands resident and Bedfordview spin instructor Bruce Wallis, the community walk was established close to 25 years ago as a means for Wallis to assist a friend who was going through a difficult time in his life.
ALSO READ: Bedfordview SPCA receives donation to improve dogs’ quality of life
With a small group of friends, the walk started out with three participants. Wallis said, however, that every year the walk grew, attracting more community members.
He said it grew from three participants, to four, six, 10, and now 35.
Wallis said although social media has helped spread the word about the walk, it has mainly grown through word of mouth.
“During the walk, our halfway point was a property on Kloof Road owned by the late Craig Bushney,” said Wallis.
He said at the halfway point the group would have a shot or two before heading back to Virgin Active where they would enjoy a glass of champagne.
ALSO READ: Edenvale SPCA investigates pellet gun shooting of Jack Russell puppy
However, over the years the group has instilled greater responsibility and now only enjoys ice lollies, cold drinks and sweets at the halfway point.
“Craig was a very determined man and had set his mind to lose weight,” said Wallis.
“During his weight loss journey, he completed a Half Ironman, and then despite doctors telling him he would not be able to manage it, he completed a Full Ironman.”
Wallis said unfortunately Bushney passed away several years ago while participating in a cycle race in Barberton.
He said Bushney was about 15km into the race when he passed away.
“Because of what Craig meant to us all, we still stop at his house during the walk in his memory and have some refreshments,” said Wallis.
ALSO READ: Tennis fun day raises pet food for Edenvale SPCA and The Cat Shack
Wallis said that as the walk continued and gathered support from the community, one of the participants suggested that the walkers collect donations for the Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA.
Wallis explained that over the years, more charitable causes, specifically Edenvale Ferals, have become beneficiaries of the group’s effort.
Karen Morgans, fellow walk coordinator, said although there have been a few rainy Decembers in recent years, this has not stopped the enthusiasm and kind-hearted nature of the greater Bedfordview community.
Last year the Christmas walk gathered 450kg of animal food.
“When you see community members arrive on the day of the walk, it really makes you feel delighted,” said Morgans.
Wallis highlighted that the common denominator among all those who participate is that they love animals.
ALSO READ: Edenvale SPCA invites community to attend annual AGM on July 11
“None of us enjoys any kind of suffering, and to have the support of the Bedfordview and Edenvale communities, which are so caring, is wonderful,” said Wallis.
Explaining why the group decided to launch the campaign four months ahead of time, Morgans said she hopes that by giving community members more time, more donations can be collected for animals in need.
She said this year donations are being collected for Edenvale Ferals, Edenvale SPCA, Johannesburg SPCA and Feral Carer NPC.
For more information or to help with donations, contact:Wallis: 071 671 9522. Steven Leong: 079 298 6057. Pino Barecchia: 082 719 7737.
