SPCA clean-up a barking success

Grateful for the milder temperatures, Homestead Helpers for Benoni with help from learners from Pinnacle College Rynfield and St Dunstan’s College got their hands dirty sprucing up the Benoni SPCA grounds and storage units on March 15.

Armed with brush cutters the community-driven cleaning crew set to work to tame the grass at the farmyard, which had grown unabated.

“The animal welfare society has been battling to maintain this area due to its in-house equipment suffering mechanical breakdowns,” said Homestead Helpers for Benoni member, Nina Visser.

“Thanks to David Scholtz and Master Mowers, the organisation’s brush cutter and lawnmower have been repaired. After spending six hours trimming the thick vegetation, the SPCA team’s task to maintain the area should be a lot easier now.”

While the cutters whizzed into action, the pupils formed a production line, emptying out three storage containers as well as the store room, in an effort to sort, clean and repack its contents.

Immediately regretting her choice of wearing light coloured clothing, Nokutenda Dendere (15) of Pinnacle College Rynfield, lugged and tugged at boxes containing medical supplies.

“I love dogs and jumped at the opportunity to volunteer,” she said with a bright smile.

“I believe that through our efforts we are making a difference in their lives as well as those who are committed to helping them.”

Joining the conversation, Mariam Asmaljee (15) said if she had a choice she would open her heart and home to every animal that has been lost, abandoned or abused.

“The SPCA does so much to protect these beautiful animals, volunteering our time is just a small gesture of thanks for their commitment,” said the Pinnacle College learner.

Seeing the mountain of work that needed to be done, Jennifer Phiri put her errands on the backburner to join her son, Joshua and his friends from St Dunstan’s College, to clear out the tool shed.

“It is important for children to volunteer and be of service to the community,” said the eager mom.

“But the best way for them to learn is by seeing their parents getting involved as well. We all have a role to play, volunteering may not always be fun and glamorous but we learn more through hard work.”

Watching his mom get to work, Joshua said his love for animals inspired him to be part of the SPCA project.

“Looking after my cockatoo, Reilley is a lot of work but his happy chirps make it all worth-while,” said the Grade Seven learner.

“The people at the SPCA look after so many animals, hopefully our help will make their daily tasks a little easier.”

The day’s success was further amplified when Pinnacle parents delivered two car loads of food, blankets, toys and treats, which had been collected by the school.

Martine Hampson, Benoni SPCA general manager, thanked everyone for their time.

“Cleaning and sorting of these units has been on our to-do list for some time,” she said.

“Thank you for your energy and passion in tackling this mammoth task.”

Visser said all that is left to do is to source sturdy shelving, which will be erected in the storage units in order for supplies to be packed neatly and be easily accessible.

Anyone willing to assist may contact Visser on 083 258 6595.

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