Community spirit was on full display on Saturday (July 18) as over 100 volunteers gathered at the Newcastle SPCA for the ‘Project Pawsible – SPCA Paint a Cage, Change a Life’ initiative, hosted by the Newcastle Lions Club in partnership with Sealpro Waterproofing & Construction.

The initiative aimed to restore and renovate the Newcastle SPCA’s 84 kennels, with volunteers sanding and painting the kennels and the palisade fencing. Every brush-stroke helped provide the animals with a better place to stay while they wait for their forever homes.

According to Newcastle Lions Club member Lizette van der Berg, the day was an outstanding success.

“This is the first time in Newcastle’s history that an event like this has been held in support of the SPCA.

“It brought together 169 community volunteers, along with another 50 volunteers and staff from the Newcastle Lions Club, Sealpro, the SPCA and other helpers, making it a truly remarkable day of service,” said Van der Berg.

She added that the enthusiasm, teamwork and community spirit displayed throughout the day were truly inspiring.

Community members join hands for a worthy cause

At the end of the event, each volunteer received a certificate of appreciation and refreshments in recognition of their time, commitment and dedication.

A prize-giving ceremony concluded the day.

Awards were presented to the following teams:

• Best Dressed: The Colourful Mungruls;
• Best Team Spirit: The Energisers;
• Best Dressed Family: 101 Dalmatians;
• Oldest Volunteer: An 81-year-old participant, proving that service knows no age limit;
• Most Accurate Workers: Gert and Petro, for their exceptional attention to detail and quality of work;
• Most Reserved and Quiet Volunteers: Lindiwe and Mphiwe, whose calm dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed.

“The incredible turnout demonstrated what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, teamwork and a genuine passion for supporting the Newcastle SPCA,” said Van der Berg.

The project got underway on Friday, when a team of students from Qualitas Newcastle volunteered their time to paint the palisade fencing as part of their 67 minutes for Mandela Day.

Van der Berg thanked every volunteer, sponsor, supporter and organisation that contributed to the success of the initiative.

“Your generosity, hard work and community spirit have made a lasting impact,” she said.

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