Local residents ready for ‘paw’some sleepover at SPCA
Members of the Umhlanga Women Achievers (UWA), have set out to raise R15 000 each for the SPCA through their social media platforms for the events.
ON Saturday, August 17, the world marks International Homeless Animals Day as a way to educate people about homeless and abandoned animals as well as the importance of spaying and neutering domestic animals.
The day also coincides with the Durban & Coast SPCA Kennels Sleepover where residents brave the association’s kennels overnight to give back to animals in need.
That is where Robyn Meloni, Senta Seele and Tracy-Lee Sydney come in.
The trio, all members of the Umhlanga Women Achievers (UWA), have set out to raise R15 000 each for the SPCA through their social media platforms.
For others participating, they will need to raise a minimum of R3 000.
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For local resident Senta, the event will mark her third time sleeping in the kennels overnight.
“Even though we’ve raised our targets well before the 18:00 mark, we choose to spend the entire night because I do feel it sensitises you to what it must feel like for the animals. It also helps bring awareness to the animals that the SPCA are looking after. When I was chairlady of KZN Women In Business (KZNWIB) in 2020, one of the charities nominated by our members was the Durban & Coast SPCA, and I got to work closely with them.
“It opened my eyes to the amazing work they do in the community and what goes on behind the scenes. While there will be some fun had on the evening, we also see the event as a way to raise awareness of the plight of homeless and abandoned animals,” she said.
Her comments were echoed by Durban North resident Tracy-Lee Sydney.
“All my dogs have been rescue dogs, and I feel that humans can help themselves, but animals need humans to help them. Participating in the sleepover is just one of the ways we can help the SPCA. I know the amazing work that they do, and I think the kennel sleepover is a great initiative and a fun one to participate in. It also allows each one of us to bring awareness to our circle of friends on the plight of homeless animals,” she said.
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Durban & Coast SPCA spokesperson Tanya Fleischer said the SPCA sees more than 13 000 homeless animals through its doors each year.
“Some are abandoned, some are unwanted and some are living on the streets and collected. We also take in abused, hungry, cold and frightened animals. This annual event is a challenge for residents to leave their nice comfy bed and rough it out for the plight of homeless animals. We need your support to continue giving homeless animals a safe and warm place while they wait for their second chance at life. We hope as many residents as possible join us on August 17,” she said.
To sign up, visit Quicket.
Fleischer added that it will be compulsory for participants to have a profile for sponsorships on the Durban & Coast SPCA website.
“The details will be emailed to you after you sign up along with marketing material to help you out.”
Event details
The Durban & Coast SPCA Kennels Sleepover takes place on Saturday, August 17, and guests are welcome to visit friends and family taking part from 16:00 to 18:00. To participate costs R200 per human and R50 per dog. You can also ask your friends and family to sponsor your ‘adoption’ out of the kennels for the goal you set (minimum R3 000). It includes dinner, fun games and a goodie bag. You can sign up at www.quicket.co.za/events/264515-2024-kennels-sleepover/.
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