Animals at the Potchefstroom Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) are smiling after receiving a generous donation from the open-hearted Potchefstroom community.

PAWS and the West Acres Shopping Centre took hands from 19 June – 19 July with a one-month donation drive where shoppers and community members donated blankets and food for dogs and cats in need.

According to the manager at PAWS, Theo Koekemoer, this drive just showcases the giving nature of Potchefstroomers.

“We are so thankful at PAWS to be able to get all the help we can get. Times are tough and we do everything in our power to make sure that the animals get food and blankets during the winter months. This donation will go a long way in giving hope at PAWS. We are thankful to West Acres for the big contribution,” he stated.

“Thank you so much to West Acres Shopping Centre customers who donated and made it all possible. The staff, were also brilliant during the one-month donation drive. I’m humbled,” said Keitumetse Mothupi, one of the floor managers at the West Acres Shopping Centre.

“We believe in bringing the community together and PAWS really plays a big role in the community. We reached out to PAWS and the drive has been a major success. It is so heartwarming to see people care for the animals and be truly selfless,” he exclaimed.

Besides this drive, the community has also jumped at the chance of helping in any way they can, by dropping off food at PAWS.

“People come to PAWS with bags of food and then leave without wanting any credit – they just want to help the animals and that really warms our hearts,” added Koekemoer.

He also mentions that PAWS is still filled to the brim with animals who are in desperate need of a forever home.

“We have over 300 dogs currently – the most we have ever had. We struggle to keep up and don’t have enough space. There are animals who truly need a loving family and forever home,” he added.

Visit PAWS at 2 Viljoen street or phone at 071 681 9264 for more information on how to adopt.