Midrand SPCA needs your help to raise operations funds

Midrand SPCA’s recent AGM highlighted various challenges the organisation faced over the past year as well as plans for the year ahead.

The annual general meeting (AGM) was held at Ambrosia Hall in Glen Austin on July 17. Chairperson for the society Brenda Lucas said the organisation’s financials indicated a surplus for the year despite the Covid-19 pandemic. She added that it was due to several factors, including the opening of the SPCA’s clinic for members of the public who were unable to afford private veterinary care.

Lucas added that limited projects were undertaken during the year due to financial constraints, but through the assistance of Steve Johnston, the organisation managed to acquire electric fencing and have it installed around their premises to better safeguard the animals, staff and premises.

“Some upgrades were also done around the kennels to ensure that the welfare standards are met. The new financial year has started with many uncertainties for the SPCA as donations have drastically decreased and due to Covid-19 regulations, fundraising events are still not permitted,” she said.

She added that some of the projects that the organisation would like to take on this year included upgrades to their farmyard, offices and staff quarters, as well the building of the SPCA’s own new clinic. She highlighted that the biggest need from a project perspective at the moment was storage space.

Furthermore, Lucas said the society’s biggest need remained funding. “As we rely solely on donors to keep our doors open, we are dependent on these donations to remain operational. We have fuel bills to cover, vet bills, staff salaries, maintenance and repairs, and several other running costs that we cannot avoid paying.”

The SPCA movement plays a critical role in our country as we collectively undertake over 90% of all animal-related welfare investigations and prosecutions in
South Africa.”

She added that in many cases some people were reluctant to donate cash for several personal reasons. “If you don’t want to donate directly to the SPCA, perhaps request to pay a vet bill or purchase a fuel voucher or offer to cover some other expenses that we simply have to pay on a monthly basis in order to remain operational.”

The society’s staff, inspectorate, committee members and volunteers were thanked for their commitment to the organisation and the animals that they served. A big thank you was also extended to the public for their continued support of Midrand SPCA.

Details: Midrand SPCA 011 265 9935.