Highveld Ridge SPCA invite the community to share in their 42nd birthday celebration
The organisers are also looking for 40 kids between the ages of three and eight years to join them in an extra special event that includes five fun activities such as sack racing and egg run
EVANDER – The Highveld Ridge SPCA is celebrating their 42nd birthday on 13 April and they are inviting the community to join in the fun day filled with activities for the kids.
The birthday party will be combined with an Easter fun day that will begin at 11am until 3pm.
Kids can look forward to jumping castles sponsored by Georgie’s Kids Entertainment, face painting and games such as pin a bunny.
There will also be free birthday cake.
The organisers are also looking for 40 kids between the ages of three and eight years to join them in an extra special event that includes five fun activities such as sack racing and egg run.
Entry fee for this is R50 per child. Each child will also receive a goodie bag.
Entry to the rest of the party is free of charge, but patrons are free to bring donations and toys for the animals.
The SPCA’s famous pancakes will be on sale as well as things to drink. All you need to do is bring along your camping chair and Gazebo.
The SPCA is asking their supporters for a birthday donation of R10 each.
“A R10 from each of our followers on Facebook will already help boost our finances,” said Ms Chanelle Oosthuizen, SPCA committee member.
“We need to cover our vet costs, buy petrol, pay the running costs such as electricity and the telephone bill, to mention but a small portion of what it takes to run the SPCA,” she explained.
The Highveld Ridge SPCA covers a vast area – from Vrede to Kriel.
The past year has been exceptionally tough and due to massive financial constraints, they almost closed up shop.
They were forced to retrench all 16 full-time employees and the kennels and offices are currently being run by four volunteers and only one inspector, who is trained to work with animal cruelty cases.
An all-time low for the SPCA was the day when neighbouring SPCAs came to collect all the animals – from office pets to live stock, because there just was not enough food or people to care for them. However, within a week or two, the kennels were again full and the animal cruelty cases were piling up.
“We get between four and seven animals per day. These are either rescues, surrendered by their owners, or strays.
“Boxes full of cats were dumped here just the other day,” said Ms Oosthuizen.
They try to re-home as many animals as possible.
An adoption fee is asked, but this amount includes sterilisation, a microchip, a free voucher for a few dog training classes, and an adoption hamper.
The new committee picked up the pieces and has been working exceptionally hard to build up the SPCA.
There is now a charity shop where people can buy or donate goods, the adopt-a-kennel project is well supported and there is often something interesting to sell and raise funds.
“We also issue 18A tax certificates when we receive donations,” Mr Marius Oosthuizen, another SPCA committee member, said.
The few committee members also make effort to visit schools and educate kids on how to look after their pets, and the SPCA’s Facebook page has grown considerably.
The kennels’ maintenance has also been tackled.
The committee thanked the vets in the area who are always willing to help, their volunteers and their donors for the support throughout the year.
“We are looking forward to another year of service to the community and especially the animals that so desperately in need.”
Children who are interested in taking part in the event, must book in advance. Contact Ms Oosthuizen at 072 541 9634.
