A remarkable display of compassion and generosity saw Benonians rally together to support the breakfast and pet food donation drive at Dingo’s Pub on March 1, which collected dozens of food items to feed rescued animals at TAG and SPCA.
What started as a simple appeal by the Farrarmere Lost and Found (FLF) NPO, quickly turned into a community-wide initiative, with individuals and businesses stepping up to make a difference.
By the end of the event, the community had filled a van with food, blankets and other accessories to help ease the burden on the two animal shelters.
The FLF’s Laken Bouwer said the timing for the initiative was perfect given the struggles faced by many animal welfare charities to keep up with the rising costs of animal food.
“TAG and SPCA are always looking for food and blankets, especially during the rainy season and winter. They are on a tight budget and most of the funds go to vet fees and other necessities. We are doing the food and blanket drive so they will have one less thing to worry about,” she said.
Bouwer added that they will also assist the Pitbull Sanctuary in Bredell, which was recently flooded following heavy rains and will donate any extras to other animal welfare organisations.
FLF co-founder Kay Pozyn explained the donations would help TAG with its outreach programme that helps dog owners in the townships.
“The owners bring their dogs to TAG every week and are supplied with food. They use 3 175kg of dog food every month. This is why we have to help them, as well as the SPCA,” said Pozyn.
Ward 28 Clr Mary Goby thanked the FLF for doing a “sterling job” and commended community members for their help.
“It’s people like Laken, Kay and Catherine that make a difference in our community, not just for humans but for the animals as well. For the three ladies to run this event and raise food for groups that need it makes a big difference. I’m thankful to them,” Goby said.
The FLF was founded by Bouwer, Pozyn and Homestead Helpers’ Catherine Taxer to represent “their furry little friends”.
“The animals needed to be represented. We also needed someone to help because residents of Ward 28 were posting on the service delivery group that their animals were going missing,” Bouwer said.
She urged the community to keep on helping the FLF to continue making a difference in the lives of animals in the community.
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