PawsRehoming needs your help to bring festive cheer to animals
Armed with nothing but grit and love, Witfield resident Claudine Matthews has spent 13 years rescuing, feeding, and rehoming animals in need.
This Christmas, the PawsRehoming Xmas Box Lunch Project is once again bringing hope to hundreds of hungry animals across the East Rand.
The initiative, led by Witfield resident Claudine Matthews, aims to ensure that no pet in need goes without food over the festive season.
Now in its twelfth year, the project forms part of Claudine’s ongoing rescue mission through PawsRehoming, a one-woman initiative. Each December, Claudine and her dedicated supporters pack two-litre ice cream tubs with pellets, gravy sachets and treats for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. The boxes are distributed throughout informal settlements from mid-December to mid-January.
“The box lunches are more than just food. They’re a reminder that these animals are not forgotten,” said Claudine.
Founded 13 years ago, PawsRehoming began after Claudine rescued a stray collie mix named Goldie and her two puppies near the Angelo informal settlement. Since then, the initiative has expanded to assist animals in areas such as Angelo, Delmore, Comet, Rondebult and Jerusalem.
Although not a registered organisation, Claudine works tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome abandoned and abused animals, including the occasional goat, duck, horse or donkey. Each adoption involves careful checks to ensure that the animal and its new family are the right fit
Community outreach and education
Claudine also runs outreach programmes in several informal settlements, delivering food, blankets and kennels to struggling pet owners. She assists with vaccinations, sterilisations and educates communities about responsible pet care. In addition, she manages feral cat colonies, feeding, sheltering and sterilising them to prevent overpopulation.
Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore said Claudine often volunteers at the Boksburg SPCA in her personal capacity.
“She brings in many stray and unwanted animals from underprivileged areas, promotes sterilisation and educates residents on how to properly care for their pets. We commend the work she does.”
PawsRehoming relies entirely on public support. Donations of dog or cat food, treats, blankets or funds are welcomed for this year’s Xmas Box Lunch Project.
For more information or to contribute, contact Claudine Matthews on 084 695 9887.
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