Lifelong friends donate R100 000 to animal shelters
“We have over 400 animals in our care. Sometimes we feel so alone. But looking at this donation made me realise that there are so many looking after us and care for the welfare of animals”
Lifelong friends Leonie Loods and Mariette de Jager have donated a whopping R75 000 to Wollies animal project and Woodrock animal rescue.
A charity event in aid of the animal shelters was set to take place in April, but due to Covid-19, the event was forced to be cancelled.
More than 500 tickets were sold for the champagne breakfast featuring South African pianist, entertainer, producer and author, Rocco de Villiers.
“Unfortunately, the event was cancelled. Most ticket holders said that we do not have to pay them back and rather split the money for the animal shelters of choice,” said De Jager, adding that R25 000 was also raised for Husky Romi Rescue and Wolf Sanctuary in the Free State.
“We share the same love for animals and pets never seem to disappoint.
“I have a special place for pets and Leonie is fond of wolves and huskies.
“We decided to donate the money to Wollies, Woodrock and Wolves of Reitz as they are ‘no-killing’ shelters. An animal needs to be given a second chance – just like we as humans have,” said Loods.
Vet bills and purchasing of medication are some of the shelters’ biggest expenses.
“We have over 400 animals in our care. Sometimes we feel so alone. But looking at this donation made me realise that there are so many looking after us and care for the welfare of animals,” said Fiona Manuel of Woodrock.
Wollies founder Cilla Trexler, who provides for the many dogs and cats temporarily housed in the shelter, said that the community did not realise the daily abuse and neglect of animals.
“We are very grateful for this donation as we provide for the many dogs and cats. We will be able to pay some of the vet bills and medication,” said Trexler.
Trexler and Manuel were blown away by the money raised as they were only told to meet up with Loods and De Jager for a cup of coffee.
“We did not expect this and were so surprised at the amount of money raised. We are blessed with people like Leonie and Mariette,” Manuel and Trexler said.
Lucky draws such as flannel animal blankets, all the way from England, a Persian carpet worth R7 500, a Paul Mitchell hamper and a pottery bowl from well-known ceramic artist Rhoda Henning, were up for grabs.
A dog design and Scottie quilts were also part of the lucky draw.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
