Sandton SPCA charity shop changes animal’s lives, one donation at a time
Behind every purchase at the Sandton SPCA's bookstore and thrift shop is a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect vulnerable animals, with volunteers and community donations making the work possible.
Behind the shelves of pre-loved books and racks of second-hand treasures at the Sandton SPCA charity shop lies a mission that goes far beyond bargain hunting.
The charity shop, which includes a thrift section and a second-hand bookstore, has become a vital source of income for the animal welfare organisation, helping to fund animal rescue, sterilisation, and community outreach programmes.
Sandton SPCA general manager Nick Smith said the Sandton SPCA relies heavily on public support to meet its monthly operating costs. “It costs us about R900 000 a month to run our SPCA. The bookstore and the thrift shop generate about R200 000 to R250 000 a month.”
Read more: Sandton Chronicle coverage helps Sandton SPCA secure fourth new rescue vehicle
He appealed to residents to donate any usable item, from clothing and cutlery to electrical goods and furniture, to help the bookstore continue operating. “We would appreciate anything which is available for donation. If you’re doing a house clearance, we’ll literally take anything that you can bring. If you have something that would like to donate, but do not have transport, we can come to you.
“In our thrift shop we have a wide selection of items, from clothes and cutlery to electrical goods. Our bookshop offers a wide selection of books, not only animal books. We have fiction, non-fiction, business books, and coffee table books, so, if you’re looking for that kind of a book, we can certainly help you.”
@caxtonjoburgnorth WATCH: What if your next bargain could help save a life? Every book bought and every pre-loved item donated to the Sandton SPCA charity shop helps fund animal rescues, sterilisation programmes, and essential care for animals in need. General manager Nick Smith appeals to residents to donate unwanted items or visit the thrift and bookshops to support the cause, while volunteer Solly Mabaso says his love for books and dogs inspired him to give back, adding that volunteering is something anyone can do, regardless of age. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #SPCA #animallover #savealife ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
He added that much of the money raised goes towards an outreach sterilisation programme aimed at reducing unwanted litters. “We’re trying to reduce the intake of unwanted puppies and kittens. We go into the community and people give us their animals for sterilisation. We sterilise them and then we take them back the next day with a bag of food, a blanket, and a toy.”
He added that each sterilisation costs roughly R500, and includes deworming, vaccinations, and owner education on responsible pet care.
Among the people helping keep the shop running is Solly Mabaso (60), a volunteer who joined the Sandton SPCA in 2023. “What inspired me is love for the books and love for the dogs because I love dogs and I love reading as well.
Also read: Community support helps Sandton SPCA purchase three new rescue vehicles
“That is something that gave me that motivation that I would find myself in a surrounding or a space like this where I would enjoy both spending my time and assisting at the bookshop. Volunteering is something that you can do to keep yourself busy while helping, it does not need a certain age.”
In his conclusion, Smith said: “Any support is greatly appreciated, whether you are buying from our shops or donating items that we can sell. You can also visit our bookshop in Morning Glen Mall. All the money we raise goes directly towards the running of the Sandton SPCA and caring for animals in need.”
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