Assumption Convent School learners keep SPCA animals warm and fed

The school supports Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA with funds every month which they collect as charity from parents, teachers and learners.

September 8, 2020

Lebogang Sekgwama 2 minutes read

Bianca Naudé, Assumption Convent School's outreach captain, hands over donations to members of Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA.

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” These words by Mahatma Gandhi inspired Assumption Convent Grade Seven learners Bianca Naudé (12) and Mulalo Baloyi (13) to donate pet food and blankets to the Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA in August.

Bianca said they realised although everyone is going through tough times with Covid-19, people still have big hearts and are willing to donate food and blankets to animals in need.

“Assumption Convent Outreach captain Bianca and I wrote an article for the school newsletter with all the information about the project. We also went out and did some shopping of our own,” said Mulalo, a member of the Johannesburg Mini Council.

Bianca added she has loved animals from a young age.”A few years ago I realised I wanted to be part of an outreach so I could help the animals. I couldn’t wait to get to Grade Seven, and now that I’m here, I am very proud.”

For Mulalo, being a member of the Joburg Mini Council has not only bettered her leadership and communication skills, but also made her appreciate all she has.

“It encouraged me to help others by giving back to my community in any way that I am able to. Once I have put in the work and seen the smiles on people’s faces, it makes all the hard labour worth it.”

Head of outreach and charity at the school teacher Lesley Ritky said they are proud of their learners as they each add value to their community and strive to improve on their achievements.

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“I would like to salute them and encourage them to persevere no matter the inconvenience or level of difficulty of the challenge. We need to, now more than ever, get out of our comfort zones to be what our school stands for, “Fully Alive”, based on the John 10:10 Bible verse.”

Lesley said the SPCA relies on donations to stay operational, and the school needs the SPCA to continue protecting animals.

“As a community, we at Assumption Convent School have a responsibility to our animals. SPCA inspectors do incredibly dangerous work ensuring the safety and well-being of our pets, often under extremely difficult circumstances.”

Lesley added their school supports Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA with funds every month which they collect as charity from parents, teachers and learners.

“Our high school debutantes raised R20 000 last year for the SPCA,” said Lesley.

Fund-raising and marketing committee member of the SPCA Roxanne Bredenkamp said the dedicated young women have always been a breath of fresh air and brought love and happiness to their animals and staff members.

“We thank the school and parents for raising the next generation of caring and compassionate animal lovers. The school’s unwavering commitment to assisting the SPCA has ensured we remain committed to our mission to prevent animal cruelty.

“Lockdown had a dire impact on donations and fund-raising initiatives had to be put on hold. All the animals in our care and staff members thank the girls and school for the donation.”

The SPCA shared a message to other schools and the community on how they can help. Bianca encouraged youngsters to be active and educated in outreach programmes to enable them to set an example for others to follow in helping programmes such as the SPCA and the Animal Anti-Cruelty League. For fund-raising initiatives or donations to the SPCA send an email to Roxanne at fundraising@spcagermiston.co.za