Lions bring roar of relief for SPCA
Donation a necessity
The Port Alfred Lions Club brought much needed relief to the SPCA with the donation of a washing machine last Wednesday, September 14.
The SPCA only had one washing machine that is thirdhand and on the brink of collapse.
The local SPCA branch, based in Station Hill, provides medical care and vaccination for stray animals, covering the area from Nanaga to Hamburg.
It attends to domestic animals as well as livestock, and even sea species and wildlife.
However, to do its vital work, the NPO needs to run various fundraisers.
Lions Club project convener, Iain Macrae, said the club’s members had identified that the local SPCA was in need of a new washing machine and were glad to be able to assist by donating a Speed Queen toploader.
“It’s impossible to not have a washing machine in a place that has a large amount of blankets to wash in a day,” he said.
“It is well-known that almost every household has one, two or more pets at their home, be it cats, dogs, birds, fish, snakes, you name it.
“Without the SPCA being
available as a small animal pound and caring for all animals including livestock, wild animals and even sea species such as fish and seals, there would be chaos,” Macrae said.
The club’s donation was also accompanied by a first aid kit for animals.
Lion Rob Brunette donated the washing machine, which was overhauled and repaired by Hans Veldman.
Lions Club president, Max
Stander, expressed his appreciation to both Lions for their efforts.
The SPCA’s administration manager, Forbes Coutts, said the donation could not have come at a better time because their washing machine was on the brink of collapse.
“We have to wash all blankets and towels for dogs and cats for hygiene purposes.
“Effectively, the machine operates for six days a week,
only resting on a Sunday,” he said.
SPCA manager Lisa Nyaya said: “We have an average of 50 animals a week passing through the SPCA. We were looking at having to buy a new machine that would have cost R20,000.
“By getting this machine donated means we can use that money to purchase drugs and medical supplies for our clinic and surgery to keep the sterilisation and vaccination
programmes going and keep attending to sick and injured animals.”
The SPCA’s fundraising efforts includes a thrift shop at its Station Hill property where any used or new items, clothes, books and so on donated are sold to generate income.
Anyone who would like to donate items for the thrift shop, or for more information, please can contact the SPCA on 046-624- 1919.