Celebrate Mandela Day with furry friends at Hyde Park Corner
This Mandela Day, make a pawsitive impact by visiting Hyde Park Corner from July 9 to July 20, to meet and mingle with lovable dogs eager to find their forever homes.
As Mandela Day approaches, Hyde Park Corner is calling on pet lovers and community members to come together in a powerful act of kindness that celebrates second chances, compassion, and community spirit.
From July 9 to 20, Centre Court will be transformed into a hub of support for pets in need and a platform to spread warmth in our neighbourhoods.
At the heart of this initiative is a striking 3-metre-high dog installation, wrapped in a vibrant scarf and surrounded by stories of hope and resilience.
Read more: Mandela Day at the Park
This visual reminder is complemented by a series of impactful campaigns designed to inspire action.
Hyde Park Corner is urging pet lovers to consider opening their hearts and homes as it will be hosting an adoption drive in partnership with Woodrock Animal Rescue and Sandton SPCA, where visitors can meet dogs looking for loving families.
A large screen will showcase some of the adorable animals awaiting adoption, and visitors are encouraged to contribute R67 to help feed a shelter dog for an entire month.
Members of the community are also invited to visit the Sandton SPCA during designated hours or browse available animals online.
Hyde Park Corner’s marketing manager, Sheree McHaffie, said, “We want people to see these animals not just as pets in need but as living beings with stories and hearts. Your support, whether through adoption, donation, or spreading awareness, can change lives.”
Running alongside the adoption drive is the Secret Scarves Shhh… campaign by 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
This national tradition turns hand-knitted scarves into gestures of kindness for those in need. From 9 to 20 July, around 667 scarves created by the Morningside Mockingbird KnitWits will be displayed throughout Centre Court.
Each scarf carries the message ‘I am not lost, if you are cold and need me, please take me. With love, from 67 Blankets.’
Customers can add donations of R10 or R67 to their purchases, with all proceeds going directly to animal rescue shelters.
On July 18, knitters and volunteers will take to the streets around Hyde Park Corner, handing scarves to those in need and offering a gesture of comfort and hope.
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