Paintbrushes and compassion raise R8 550 for Kempton Park SPCA

A paint-and-sip event in Glen Marais brought together art lovers and animal supporters while raising R8 550 for the Kempton Park SPCA.

Local Benoni artist and owner of Messy Masterpieces, Sonette van der Merwe, hosted the fundraising event at Mud & Muse over the weekend, with 42 community members taking part in the creative experience.

For Van der Merwe, supporting animal welfare has always been a personal passion.

“Animal welfare has always been incredibly close to my heart. I support as many animal welfare organisations as I possibly can, whether that is in my personal capacity or through Messy Masterpieces,” she said.

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She said launching Messy Masterpieces allowed her to expand the impact she could make by combining creativity with community support.

“Starting Messy Masterpieces opened the door for me to make an even bigger impact than I ever could on my own. It has allowed me to bring communities together while supporting causes that truly matter,” she said.

When Amanda from the Kempton Park SPCA approached her about hosting a fundraiser, Van der Merwe said she immediately agreed.

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“Not only have we adopted from the SPCA before, but animal shelters will always have a special place in my heart. Supporting them is never a difficult decision,” she said.

Van der Merwe, who is a proud owner of five rescue animals, including Floki, who was adopted from the SPCA, said she was grateful for the community’s support.

“I’m so proud of what our community achieved in just one afternoon. It really shows what can happen when people come together for a cause they believe in,” she said.

During the event, guests took part in a guided painting session where each person created their own portrait of Floki.

“We had an astounding 42 painters join us for the fundraiser. Every ticket sold, every donation and every fundraiser makes a difference,” said Van der Merwe.

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She said the event offered participants something meaningful to take home.

“It is not just your average fundraiser. You leave with your own work of art, and every time you look at it, you know that artwork helped put food in a dog or cat’s belly. I think that is a pretty incredible feeling.”

The funds raised will assist the Kempton Park SPCA with costs such as food, veterinary care and shelter for abandoned and neglected animals while they wait for their forever homes.

“This was not our first fundraiser, and it certainly will not be our last. My goal for Messy Masterpieces has always been to make a difference in the world, one brush stroke at a time,” said Van der Merwe.

“Animals do not have a voice to ask for the things they need, and I am grateful that, even if it was just for one afternoon, I could help be a voice for them.”

Kempton Park SPCA senior inspector Duan Coetzee said the organisation was grateful for the community’s support.

“We were absolutely delighted and deeply grateful to hear that we were the beneficiaries of the fundraising event. It makes our hearts happy to know that members of our community recognise and support the work we do,” he said.

Coetzee thanked Mud & Muse and Messy Masterpieces for opening their doors to support the SPCA.

“Community support enables us to continue operating, caring for animals and responding to animals in need. It is encouraging to know that the public sees the work we do and wants to help us reach even more animals,” he said.

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He explained that funds raised through community initiatives assist with the organisation’s daily operations, including food, veterinary treatment, medication, cleaning supplies and fuel for vehicles used by inspectors responding to complaints and animals in distress.

Coetzee added that securing sufficient funding remains one of the biggest challenges faced by the organisation.

“Like many non-profit organisations, one of our biggest challenges is securing enough funding to meet our ongoing operational expenses. The need for our services continues to grow, while the costs involved in providing these services also continue to increase,” he said.

He encouraged residents to support the SPCA through donations, volunteering, providing essential supplies or helping promote animals available for adoption.

“Every donation, shared post, volunteer hour and act of kindness helps us continue protecting and caring for animals in our community.”