The Animal Welfare Society PE has called on local animal lovers to give their furry friends a helping hand.
While they are happy with the advent of lockdown level 1 and eased restrictions for events, the COVID-19 fallout is still negatively impacting on the animals in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“The Animal Welfare Society PE shelter is inundated with a large number of surrenders and many unclaimed strays, so there are many, many tummies to keep full and take care of,” said Cynthea van Rhijn, of AWS PE.
“The odds are stacked against us but we know that we are making a tangible difference for animals, so we are trying everything we can but we really cannot do it alone and humbly appeal for su-PAW-t yet again!”
Van Rhijn said many people gave their pets up in the past year for a variety of reasons, from losing their incomes and having to either downscale their accommodation from a house into a flat or moving in with family, to immigrating and being unable to afford the move.
“No matter the story, at the end of the day, these helpless and voiceless souls find themselves at our shelter, scared, alone and confused. It is truly heartbreaking.
“I have personally sat with and tried to comfort many of the poor dogs,” she said.
Despite their dog adoption specialist working nearly seven days a week, to match furry friends with potential parents, the AWS kennels remain full.
How can you help?
AWS PE has launched a VIP membership campaign to help give them a funding boost.
Their annual membership runs from April 1 to March 31 each year and they’ve called on members of the public to support them by adding their name to the list.
“Your VIP (Very Important PAWS) annual AWS PE membership gives homeless animals a chance to find health, happiness and a family,” said Van Rhijn. “These dogs and cats have no-one else to turn to and you can be the difference in a life story that ends with a ‘happily ever after’.”
As an NPO, AWS PE needs members to vote, to survive and to improve.
VIP members will receive a VIP membership certificate, newsletters, exclusive invites to member-only special and other events, and an invitation to attend their 50th birthday celebration and AGM.
VIP membership fees are as follows:
Single annual: R120
Family annual: R150
Corporate membership annual: R1 000
Single life membership: R1 000
Double life membership: R1 500
New members can send an e-mail to [email protected] for a membership form.
Banking details: First National Bank, Walmer, universal code: 250655, account number 545 900 54423. Reference your initial, surname 2021.
Donations can be made online as well at awspe.co.za/pages/donate. Reference your initial, surname 2021.
Then send proof of payment to [email protected].
“Please join to support our cause for the paws and the people, our staff, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of all the animals entrusted in our care,” Van Rhijn pleaded. “They are the people who leave no paws behind.”
