SPCAS benefit from pensioner power!
With the exception of a youthful secretary and representatives from the main sponsors (Hill’s Pet Nutrition and N3TC), the steering committee of the annual Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk for SPCAS programme is almost entirely composed of OAPS (old age pensioners).
This dynamic group is responsible for planning and guiding this popular and highly successful fundraising project that benefits the three Midlands SPCAS - the Pietermaritzburg, umngeni and Mooi River & District branches.
“This committee has an energy and drive inspired by our mutual love for all living creatures, and the desire to help keep our local SPCAS open to help animals in need across the Midlands,” says Gaynor Lawson, 1000 Paws Walk PRO.
The Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk is the largest annual fundraiser for the participating SPCAS and is a highlight on the calendars of families and dog-owners, who look forward to sharing fun time outdoors with their canine friends in a safe environment.
The first local 1000 Paws Walk was held on October 11, 2009 at Orient Park, Midmar.
The concept originated in Australia where it is called the Million Paws Walk and is a national event held on the same day all over the country.
“Because of the multi-faceted nature of the 1000 Paws project,
even if the event is affected by bad weather (like the pre-blizzard weather last year) or the Covid-19 shutdown when we were not allowed to host the event at all, we are still able to raise funds through the 1000 Paws raffle, which has wonderful luxury getaways as the top prizes, and through the schools’ collection tin drive, where classes in schools compete to see which one can collect the most,” said Lawson.
This year’s event will be held on Sunday, June 2 at Highgate Wine Estate, next to Piggly Wiggly on the R103 in Lions River, from 8am to 2pm.
There will be refreshments and stalls, live music, arena events and dog-themed competitions such as Best Rescue Dog, and lots of fun for the whole family, in addition to the two walks.
There is the longer adults and athletes walk of around 4km and the shorter and easier pensioners and puppies walk (about 2km).
“The walks are not a race and can be conducted at your own pace, whenever you want to during the morning, and you don’t have to walk at all if you don’t feel like it,” said Lawson.
Last year, the Hill’s 1000 Paws Walk project raised R135 000 for each of the three Midlands SPCAS, despite the wet and very cold weather on the day of the event, which dropped attendance numbers to 283 people and 139 dogs.
Prizes and donations in aid of 1000 Paws are always needed. Those making monetary donations over R500 will receive a Section 18A tax certificate on application.
Contact Gaynor Lawson at 082 55 88 928 or via email at glawson@global.co.za for details.
If you wish to make a monetary donation to 1000 Paws 2024, the relevant banking details are: Account name: umngeni SPCA
Acc No: 1133791700
Bank: Nedbank, Midlands Mall
Branch Code: 198765
Reference: Donor’s name + 1000 Paws 2024