With the recent announcement that the Krugersdorp Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) will be closing its doors at the end of March, the public not only was outraged but concerned about the future of the Roodepoort branch.
One of the pertinent questions that was raised was whether the Krugersdorp branch did enough as far as fundraising was concerned.
The record spoke to Roodepoort SPCA as well as the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (NSPCA) chairperson Christine Kuch.
From the outset Christine made it clear she was not scare mongering or laying a guilt trip on the public but rather pointing out the two biggest threats to the SPCA’s success.
“We want to make it clear that we are not in trouble or saying we are going to close down, but rather that we could be more successful,” Christine explained.
“The two issues that pose the biggest threat to our success is the public misconception that the SPCA is a government institution and therefore gets money thrown at us, and public apathy.
“Currently we are running at a lost because of this. Even the affluent people sometimes tend to use the SPCA’s services instead of paying more for a private veterinarian, which means we can not help those who really need the help. Of course we will always make an exception for sterilisation,” said Christine.
She explained people in the community did come forward and offered their help, but they do not realise that it can be only a onetime effort. She also said the public does not understand that if they join the committee it is not on an operational level but rather to come with solutions to keep the branch functioning successfully.
“We have to get to the point where the public gets involved and it does not necessarily means spending money,” said Christine before she expounded on the variety of ways a person can contribute to the success of a branch.
“Although we appreciate efforts such as tin-shaking on a Saturday morning there are many more ways to contribute. Serving on the committee and offering your personal expertise is one great way. Currently we have a vet on the committee as well as an attorney but we would love maybe to have a councillor or a person who are good at business getting involved.
Christine said sponsoring a kennel would go a long way in alleviating the financial pressures of a branch. Getting a free MySchool card means one to five per cent of what a person spends will be donated to charity according to her. She also said with the Smart Shopper card points can be turned into money to be donated to charity as well.
She admited that becoming a member at R150 per year does not give a person anything in return but enough such contributions can go a long way.
“Donating to the charity shop and bookshop also creates a win-win situation – someone will find a bargain and obviously the money goes to the animals.
“Leaving something in your will is another way of contributing substantially to the welfare of a branch. Businesses also should get involved. Supermarkets for example can sponsor our monthly cleaning materials bill,” said Christine.
She also said the average person should get creative in helping.
“Maybe raffling a bottle of wine between colleagues at work or once a month taking an empty basket to work and having your friends fill it with pet-related items such as dog food and blankets will help,” she concluded.
Christine remains positive that with the support of the general public and businesses the Roodepoort branch will thrive.
