In celebration of World Animal Day in Cape Town on Sunday, 20 animal welfare organisations received funds totalling R100 000.
At an event in De Waal Park, Lokuno pet food brand handed out cheques of R5 000 to each of the rescue bodies participating in Sunday’s Paws-A-While adoption fair.
Humans and their furry friends had a ball at the event, where activities included downward dog for dogs yoga, Zumba for zoomies, a demo by the police’s K9 unit, and a rescue dog show before Lokuno surprised everyone with the generous donations.
Lokuno CSI committee chairperson, Genevieve Adams, said: “This donation is a big achievement for (us) and we are so honoured to be able to do this.
“We owe a big thank you to our customers that support the brand, as without them this would not have been possible. With every sale a portion goes to animal welfare which is how these donations are possible.”
“The vision is for this to be a long-term initiative where a locally made brand of pet food that’s affordable to the South African market, can provide ongoing support to local animal welfare and help make a real difference in the lives of rescue animals.
“Prior to this donation we already donated R148 000 to animal welfare, since 2020. We look forward to many more magical moments like this where we can celebrate the success of the brand by donating to those animals in need,” said Adams.
The beneficiaries included the Animal Anti-Cruelty League, African Tails, Aid4Aid, Animals have Rights 2, Animal Rescue Organisation, Animal Welfare Society SA, Fisantekraal Animal Welfare, Furget me Knot, Grace Animal Sanctuary, Greyton Animal Sanctuary, HART Animal Rescue, Howlelujah Foundation, LEAPS, Mdzananda Animal Clinic, PDSA-SA, Pit Pals, SPCA The Cape of Good Hope, TEARS, Tom Ro Haven, and Cape Animal Welfare Forum.
Chairman of Aid 4 Animals in Distress, Grant O’Neill, thanked the donors for their generous donations.
“It will go very far in our continued animal rescue efforts. This donation will go directly back to animals in dire need and aid them on their journey to forever homes,” said O’Neill.
Marisol Gutierrez, communications and fundraising manager for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, said the donation would be used for the continuation of cruelty prevention.
“The Cape of Good Hope SPCA counts on financial support from companies and animal lovers to keep its doors open to all animals, including wildlife,” said Gutierrez.
Cape Times