Noordwyk resident goes behind bars for Midrand SPCA
To honour her bond with her late dog Meg, Patricia Nementzik, is supporting the Midrand SPCA by participating in this year's fundraising campaign and encouraging others to donate towards the welfare of animals in need.
For Patricia Nementzik, helping animals has never been about recognition. It has always been about love, compassion and giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves.
The Noordwyk resident who will be taking part in the Midrand SPCA’s 67 Minutes Behind Bars campaign in support of Nelson Mandela Day said her love for animals was strengthened by the bond she had with her late German shepherd, Meg.
She is among many other participants who will spend 67 symbolic minutes behind bars to raise funds to care for abused, neglected and abandoned animals.
Her passion for animal welfare also grew when she used to see animals being cared for and would sometimes help at the Errand Veterinary Clinic that operates on her property.
Nementzik said that it was not an easy decision to make to participate in the campaign because of her phobia.
“When Brenda Lucas from the SPCA asked me if I would like to join in for the 67 Minutes Behind Bars, I said yes immediately, and after that I remembered that I’m claustrophobic and I kept asking myself how I was going to do it.
“I’ve been telling myself that as long as I’m doing this for a good cause, that’s all that matters,” added Nementzik.
Nementzik, who is also a member of the Noordwyk Parkrun, said fellow parkrunners have been collecting pet food and other needed supplies to donate to the Midrand SPCA as part of supporting the cause.
With the SPCA recently appealing to the community for assistance in keeping the organisation in operation, Nementzik said that the community have so far come in numbers to support the initiative that will be taking place on July 18.
Furthermore, she added that she hopes her participation in 67 Minutes Behind Bars will encourage more residents to get involved, whether through donations, volunteering or supporting local animal welfare initiatives such as the SPCA.
“I really hope that my children will also get to see what I am doing and also take part in making a difference in the community, whether it’s with people or animals”, she added.
She also urged the community to help in raising the funds or donating things such as dog food, black refuse bags, goat pellets, pine gel and blankets to the SPCA.
Community members who would also like to assist Nementzik to raise funds for the 67 Minutes Behind Bars can donate through the link below www.backabuddy.co.za that is on the Midrand SPCA Facebook page.
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