COMPASS Cares launched its 2026 charity calendars in support of various projects caring for animal welfare and the conservation of wildlife throughout KZN, which includes the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (Crow). This ongoing fundraising campaign turns an everyday household item into a lifeline for animals in need.

Also read: Help wildlife in need by purchasing a Crow calendar for 2024

The origin:

Clare Seffar, admin clerk for Compass Cares, said the calendar project aims to make a difference.

“We decided to take something as ordinary as a calendar, something many of us use every day, and turn it into a tool for change,” she said. Funds raised from the sales go directly to organisations that provide food, shelter, medical treatment, rehabilitation and second chances to both domestic animals and indigenous wildlife. “We could not make this possible without the dedication of our sponsors, beneficiaries, the public and the Compass team,” she said.

The 2026 theme:

The 2026 Wildlife Calendar is a tribute to the late wildlife photographer Marc de Chalain, who died recently. With the kind permission of his wife, Stella de Chalain, his stunning images form the basis of the “Wild Wonders” theme, capturing the splendour, harmony and spirit of South Africa’s natural environment. The 2026 Cat Calendar, on the other hand, is a tribute to the iconic and much-beloved Oyster Box hotel cat Skabenga, who died earlier this year.

Crow as a beneficiary:

Clint Halkett-Siddall, director at Crow, said the wildlife edition offers a meaningful way for the public to contribute to the organisation’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife across the province.

“Each photograph has been thoughtfully selected to celebrate the beauty and diversity of South Africa’s natural world. By buying a calendar, you are not only adding a beautiful piece of art to your home or office, but you’re also helping to protect our shared natural heritage,” said Halkett-Siddall.

Costs and placing orders: 

The calendars are available in either the wildlife or cats theme in various sizes. The wildlife wall calendar is available at R220, the tent calendar at R120, and the cd-sized edition for R70. For the cat wall calendar, the price is R170, with the tent calendar also R120 and the cd size at R70.

Anyone wishing to place orders directly with Compass Cares may email calendars@compass.za.net. Orders and inquiries from retailers who would like to stock the calendars in aid of fundraising efforts are also welcome. The calendars may be ordered through Crow by phoning 031 462 1127, or via info@crowkzn.co.za.

Compass Cares was started 17 years ago by the then CEO of Compass Medical Waste Services, Ian du Randt, and his wife Judy, as a CSI initiative. The passion for animal welfare has seen the project care for thousands of animals, from orphaned vervet monkeys to injured birds of prey, abandoned feral and domestic cats, and wildlife in distress.

“As the festive season draws near, these calendars make meaningful gifts for nature lovers, conservation supporters and anyone who values South Africa’s natural heritage,” said Halkett-Siddall.

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