As temperatures continue to drop across Pretoria east, a community-driven donation campaign is helping to provide warmth and comfort to animals at Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre in Bronkhorstspruit.

Ward 47 councillor Lida Erasmus said more than 100 blankets have already been collected through the initiative, with donations continuing to come in from residents.

“We have received more than 100 blankets at the moment, and people are still continuing with donations,” said Erasmus.

She said additional donations were expected ahead of the official handover later this week.

Erasmus, who has supported the shelter for many years, said the initiative was inspired by the shelter’s ongoing need for resources and the challenges it faces in caring for animals.

“I have a long history with them. I have been supporting them for about 14 years now,” she said.

According to Erasmus, shelters often struggle to secure enough donations to meet the daily needs of the animals in their care.

“They always have challenges with donations, getting enough food, blankets and other necessities for the animals,” she said.

Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre, situated in Bronkhorstspruit, rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned, abused and neglected animals.

The shelter cares for hundreds of animals and relies heavily on support from the public to continue its work.

“For them, it is always a challenge to get donations from the public. The more we can give to them, the better they can look after the animals,” Erasmus said.

With winter conditions becoming increasingly harsh, Erasmus said warm bedding and blankets are among the most needed items.

“It is wintertime now and the blankets will be most welcome,” she said.

In addition to blankets, residents have donated bags of dog food, cat food and other supplies to help support the shelter.

The donations will be handed over on Thursday when Erasmus and another ward councillor visit the facility.

“We are going on Thursday to hand over the blankets, bags of dog food, cat food and other items that we received,” she said.

Erasmus thanked residents for their generosity and encouraged continued support for local animal welfare organisations.

She said every donation helps shelters provide better care for vulnerable animals, particularly during the colder months when resources are stretched.

Residents who would still like to contribute can do so before Thursday’s handover.

Donations can also be made directly to Wet Nose Animal Rescue Centre, located at Plot 75 R104, Vaalbank-B, Bronkhorstspruit.

The shelter can be contacted on 082 677 8084 or via email at admin@wetnose.co.za. More information is available on their website at www.wetnose.co.za.

Erasmus encouraged residents who are still willing to contribute to do so, noting that every donation, no matter how small, helps improve conditions for the animals.

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