(Photo: Uitenhage-SPB)
The committee and staff of the Animal Protection Society (SPCA) in Uitenhage are in absolute ecstasy after an anonymous benefactor contributed an incredible R500 000 to their #RebuildSPCA campaign.
This donation pushed the fundraising project to 61% of the final goal, putting the dream of a safe haven for the region’s animals within tangible reach.
Maroela Media previously reported that for almost six decades this SPCA offered a safe haven for defenseless animals. Now the institution faces an uncertain future after a sudden eviction order by the Nelson Mandela Bay metro.
In a post on Facebook, the SPCA describes the moment when the news about the donation broke as a turning point that will forever be recorded in their history. The emotion about the unexpected help is palpable at the association.
“We are speechless, we are humbled and we are full of hope. Our #RebuildSPCA campaign has just experienced a moment we will never forget. An anonymous benefactor – truly an angel among us – quietly and gracefully donated an incredible R500 000 to the SPCA in Uitenhage.
“This is the largest single donation we have received yet in this campaign, and we are absolutely amazed.
“We are incredibly humbled and forever grateful for this act and the faith this person has shown in our cause.”
The barometer of hope shifts
The financial injection dramatically increased the campaign’s momentum. The new total now stands at R1 641 938, which means that the organization has already collected more than half of the required R2.7 million. This brings much-needed relief to a team that is currently fighting against the clock to secure a new site.
(Foto: BackaBuddy)
“This donation has shifted our barometer in the most powerful way possible. But even more importantly, it has shifted hope for the animals who depend on us every day.
“To our anonymous angel: Thank you for choosing kindness, dignity and life. You have changed what is possible for the SPCA in Uitenhage. To every supporter who has walked this path with us – this milestone belongs to you too.
“Every time someone shared our reports, every rand that was donated and every word of encouragement carried us this far.”
Praise for dedicated staff
Despite the uncertainty since January 20, when the association was told that they had to vacate the premises, the activities on the site continued unabated.
The committee expresses its utmost appreciation to the team who continue to care for the region’s animals under enormous pressure.
(Foto: BackaBuddy)
“As a committee, we are extremely proud of our staff who, despite extremely difficult and challenging circumstances, continue to look after the animals on our premises and those in the community who need our help with dedication. Their continued commitment to animal welfare is truly admirable.”
The SPCA currently has to purchase a new property and set up infrastructure such as cages and clinic facilities in advance. Since they cannot qualify for bank loans, every penny contributed by the public is the difference between survival and closure.
Although the large donation has brought new hope, there remains a significant shortfall before the animals’ future can be secured. With the 20 February deadline already passed, there is now even greater pressure on the campaign to collect the necessary funds in time.
“We are asking that people help us maintain this momentum. We are closer than ever to securing a safe, permanent future for our animals, but we are not quite there yet.
“Every contribution, regardless of size, brings us one step closer to our goal. We are more determined than ever to fight on – for our community and for the animals that need us.”