SPCA in need of help, and fast
Funds raised through regular events and projects have also declined due to the current economic climate.
White River SPCA is in dire need of support from the greater Lowveld community.
According to treasurer Estelle de Villiers, this branch of the charity organisation renders services to a vast area, including the region up to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, Rocky Drift and KaBokweni.
It is also the only branch that tends to cases in Hazyview and Sabie.
Its financial support, however, mainly comes from the town and residents of White River.
Although the respective branches are not allowed to canvass for donations from supporters in each other’s areas, the White River branch has in the past been the victim of exactly that, and is now biting the financial bullet in this regard.
Local members of the organisation put in a lot of effort to raise funds and officials do their best to keep costs as low as possible.
De Villiers said she is currently busy compiling a request for corporate participation, but in the meantime they are seeing the figurative bottom of the barrel.
The organisation’s running costs are approximately R60 000 per month.
It employs only five permanent staff members; an inspector, a kennel man and three kennel hands.
All staff and committee members work double shifts, the latter to man the charity shop on site.
Funds raised through regular events and projects have also declined due to the current economic climate.
A planned golf day had to be cancelled and the Nearly New night of shopping only showed an income of R15 000, about R10 000 less than the previous year.
Their hopes are now on the annual SPCA festival, to take place at the end of September.
In the meantime they urge corporates to consider the organisation as a beneficiary of corporate social investment opportunities. “If we can find a few corporate sponsors to contribute R2 000, or even less each per month, it would be of tremendous help,” said De Villiers.
Banking details for the organisation are:
Account holder: White River SPCA
Bank: FNB
Account no: 542 811 64804
Branch code: 256405
It is a business account.
