Little animal lover’s birthday a celebration for SPCA
The SPCA manager says children can become advocates for change in animal welfare laws.
When Arran-Lee McDonald of Farrarmere turned eight on October 18, receiving gifts was the last thing on his mind.
This generous youngster instead asked friends and family to make a donation to the Benoni SPCA, which he then personally dropped off, also seizing the chance to interact with the many animals waiting patiently for their forever families.
Arran-Lee, who is a learner at Ashton International College, hopes his gesture of kindness will lead other youngsters to become little philanthropists in support of the SPCA.
“If one kid does this every month, all the dogs and cats at the SPCA can be fed and cared for all year round until they are adopted,” he said.
Manager of Benoni SPCA Jacques Cronje said words cannot describe how much the society appreciates support, especially from young people.
“They are the future of the SPCA. Supporting organisations like the SPCA not only helps animals in need but also enriches the lives of the young supporters themselves, creating a ripple effect of positive change,” he said.
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Jacques highlights why supporting the SPCA is so important for youngsters:
• Empathy and compassion: Volunteering or supporting the SPCA helps young people develop empathy and compassion for animals, teaching them to care for other living beings and fostering a sense of responsibility.
• Awareness and education: It raises awareness about animal welfare issues, helping youngsters understand the importance of humane treatment and the impact of neglect and abuse.
• Community involvement: It encourages active participation in their communities. Supporting local SPCA initiatives can strengthen community ties and build a sense of belonging.
• Personal growth: Volunteering can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. It can also help youngsters develop valuable skills such as teamwork, communication and leadership.
• Building a better future: By supporting the SPCA, youngsters contribute to creating a more compassionate and humane society, ensuring a better future for animals and humans alike.
Other reasons community support is vital for the SPCA:
• Resources and funding: The SPCA relies heavily on donations and funding from the community to provide food, medical care, shelter and other necessities for animals in need as they receive no funding from the government. Without community support, the organisation would struggle to meet these demands.
• Volunteers: Volunteers are essential for the day-to-day operations. They help with tasks such as animal care, administrative duties, fundraising and outreach programmes. Benoni SPCA is desperate for more volunteers, especially with regards to fundraising, helping in the charity shop and in reception on Saturdays.
• Advocacy and awareness: Community support helps raise awareness about animal welfare issues. When more people are informed, they can advocate for better treatment of animals and push for stronger animal protection laws.
• Adoption: A strong community network is crucial for finding homes for animals. People in the community are the ones who adopt and foster animals, providing them with loving homes and reducing the number of animals in shelters.
• Support networks: Community support builds a network of people who can spread the word, share resources and assist in rescue missions. This network can be mobilised quickly in emergencies, such as natural disasters, to help animals in crisis.
• Education and outreach: Community involvement allows the SPCA to run educational programmes that teach people, especially children, about responsible pet ownership, animal behaviour and the importance of spaying and neutering.
• Emotional and moral support: Knowing that the community stands behind them provides the staff and volunteers at the SPCA with emotional and moral support. It helps keep their spirits high and motivates them to continue their vital work.
“Community support creates a collaborative effort where everyone – young and old – plays a part in making a positive impact on animal welfare.
“By following the example of children like Arran-Lee, our youth can become advocates for change, promoting better laws and practices for animal welfare and inspiring their peers to take action,” Jacques said.
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