When the Newcastle Lions Club first became involved in the Newcastle SPCA project, its vision was to create a safe, dignified and sustainable environment for the animals at the shelter.

The aim was to upgrade the kennels while encouraging greater community involvement in animal welfare.

According to Newcastle Lions Club president Lizette van der Berg, the project was always intended to be more than an infrastructure upgrade.

“We wanted it to become a community movement driven by compassion and care.”

Although there is still work to be done, including further kennel upgrades, Van der Berg said the support received from sponsors and the public has exceeded expectations.

“More has been achieved than we initially planned or imagined,” she said.

As the project enters its final stages, she hopes the remaining work will soon be completed, leaving a lasting legacy for both the Newcastle community and its animals.

Community support exceeds expectations

Van der Berg said the most rewarding aspect of the project has been seeing businesses, organisations, volunteers and residents unite behind a shared cause.

She singled out Sealpro Waterproofing and Construction as the project’s main sponsor, saying the company had played a vital role in turning the vision into reality.

“While the initial aim was to upgrade the kennels, the first phase of the project focused on renovating the main SPCA building, which is the organisation’s first impression to the public,” she explained.

She thanked Sealpro for fully funding the first phase of the project. “Their commitment, together with the support of the broader community, has played a significant role in bringing this vision to life.”

The improvements have already made a noticeable difference for both the staff and the animals at the Newcastle SPCA.

“There is not a single moment that stands out above the rest. Rather, it is the collective effort of the community and businesses that stepped forward that has made this journey so special,” she said.

The project also inspired members of the Newcastle Lions Club to adopt a dog, reinforcing their belief that greater community involvement can help more animals find loving homes.

Van der Berg believes the upgraded facilities will provide healthier, safer and less stressful environments for the animals, improving their chances of recovery, adoption and a better quality of life.

She added that improved facilities also create safer and more efficient working conditions for staff and volunteers, enabling them to continue their important work with greater support.

“Most importantly, this project encourages community ownership and responsibility towards animal welfare. It helps create a culture of kindness, compassion and service that benefits not only the SPCA but Newcastle as a whole.”

Van der Berg said she had been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the Newcastle community.

“Businesses, organisations and individuals have stepped forward with donations, sponsorships and practical assistance. It has shown us that when people are presented with a meaningful cause, they respond with incredible kindness and support.”

According to her, the project has reaffirmed that compassion remains strong within the Newcastle community.

The next phase will focus on upgrading the remaining kennels and facilities while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the SPCA through the Paint a Cage, Change a Life – Mission Pawsible initiative on July 18.

“Together, as a community, we can create a lasting legacy of care and compassion for the animals of Newcastle and make this a truly community-driven project that we can all proudly call our own,” she concluded.

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