Tasting Room raises funds for animal welfare

The Tasting Room recently hosted a wine tasting at Le Chateau Guesthouse to raise funds for Paws R Us (SA), a local animal welfare organisation.

Featured were wines from Neethlingshof, accompanied by food, fundraising raffles and ticket sales. Sponsors Bostick, Radiance Photography, Deo Volente Printers, The Grim Reeper Craft Gin, and Neethlingshof contributed to the event’s success, generating significant funds for the shelter.

Event organiser Riette Coetzee stressed the importance of involving the Kempton Park community in an educational and charitable experience.

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“Charity begins at home, and that’s exactly what I did, calling on friends, family and local businesses to assist,” said Coetzee.

She said that in the past year, Paws R Us (SA) had to urgently relocate, prompting her decision to step in and help.

“It has been an adventure filled with highs and lows. As a pro-life shelter, they rely entirely on public donations to feed and care for over 300 rescue dogs,” she said.

Having adopted a puppy from Paws R Us, Coetzee is familiar with its work and praised Chantelle Murray for her dedication.

“Chantelle has one of the biggest and softest hearts in this tough industry and is always willing to assist.”

The Tasting Room hosted its first event in 2024 to support the Kempton Park SPCA, featuring wines from the Slanghoek Cellar.

Coetzee announced plans to continue these events every two to three months, each dedicated to a different animal rescue organisation.

The funds raised from the event will contribute toward Paws R Us (SA)’s weekly food bill, one of their biggest ongoing challenges.

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“Our food order every five days costs R7 470. If we miss a payment, it rolls over and quickly becomes unmanageable. It’s a runaway train that must be maintained,” said Coetzee.

She added that three shelters are on their list, all needing donations to avoid closure.

Coetzee was grateful for the collaboration with Neethlingshof, highlighting Karen Green’s role in guiding the event and the continued support of Marius Marais and Anne-Marie Breytenbach from Le Chateau Guesthouse.

Paws R Us (SA) founder and director Murray hopes the event raises awareness about the organisation in Kempton Park.

“Given that we are based in the northern suburbs, many locals might not be familiar with us.

“By becoming a household name, we can increase networking, adoptions, foster homes, volunteering and donation support,” said Murray.

The organisation, which has operated for 14 years, has survived several challenges, including the difficulties of the Covid-19 period, thanks to its loyal supporters and the public’s dedication to animal welfare.

Murray explained that their shelter focuses specifically on unwanted, surrendered and abandoned dogs in Gauteng.

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“We’ve found that through the love of a rescued dog, people unfold in beautiful ways – we become kinder, more compassionate and better humans,” she said.

The organisation also offers community service for young people, allowing them to spend time with the dogs monthly.

Murray encouraged those interested in supporting Paws R Us (SA) to email woof@pawsrus.co.za

Opportunities to help include:
• joining the weekend Dog Walker Volunteer Programme;
• signing up for the monthly debit order to contribute financially
• offering specialised skills like graphic design, event management or fundraising.
Despite the challenges of balancing full-time work with fundraising, Murray remains committed.
“At the end of each event, it’s so rewarding. I would do it a thousand times again,” she said.
The next wine tasting, featuring wines from Jakkalsvallei Cellar, is on May 30.