Benoni SPCA introduces social entrepreneurship to the community

Social entrepreneurship has been introduced at the Benoni SPCA as a means of empowering the community with skills development and in turn generating donations for the organisation. This is according to Benoni SPCA head of fund-raising, PRO and social entrepreneurship Riven Naidoo.

Members of the community gathered at Colour to Colour in Lakefield recently for a pottery and arts class.

Rockio Clothing, based in Farrarmere, was also present on the day and sold clothing with animal faces printed on them.

Proceeds collected from the event were donated to the Benoni SPCA.

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Naidoo said this was a new way to drive fund-raising within the organisation.

“Animal cruelty prevention is our core focus.

“In order to raise awareness and funding for the very same cause, we thought about introducing social entrepreneurship.

“Social entrepreneurship happens when businesses have something to offer members of the community, who, in turn, want to engage with business activities or products and donate funds to the organisation.

“It’s about skills development and giving back to those who give to us.

“In the process, community members learn new trades or other things of educational value.

“This is about having good local experiences and improving them.

“We are asking businesses to come on board with the initiative, which is beneficial to all stakeholders.” he said.

Naidoo said skills taught at the events, which sometimes include painting, also help impact positively on children who have ADHD or autism.

“People can engage with animals at the SPCA. This can also help those who have withdrawal symptoms through the PLIA (Pawing Love in Action) initiative.

“We are also one of the first SPCAs in the East Rand to have volunteer programmes successfully run by volunteers, which is also very beneficial to young adults.”

For more information contact Naidoo on 073 268 1496.