As icy winds and heavy rains sweep through Cape Town, pets in the Khayelitsha township are feeling the full force of winter. The Mdzananda Animal Clinic and shelter is calling on the public to lend a paw by joining its annual Wagging Winter Shoebox drive – a simple and heartwarming way to help township animals stay warm and well cared for.
“Many people want to help but don’t always know how,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at Mdzananda. “With this campaign, you can directly support a pet in need by packing a box of essentials to help them through the cold season.”
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic sees a surge in patients every winter. From hypothermia cases to injuries caused by reckless driving in wet weather, the challenges increase as the temperatures drop.
“Most township pets live outdoors. While many have kennels, there are still too many without adequate shelter. Keeping them warm is crucial to their health and survival,” explains du Plessis.
Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining. “We’ve seen a growing number of Khayelitsha residents actively caring for their pets – buying kennels, leads, collars, and better food,” says du Plessis. “Our clinic and shelter is bursting at the seams, which shows how much more people are prioritising their animals’ well-being. It’s a testament to the impact of our ongoing education efforts.”
To take part in the Wagging Winter Shoebox drive, pack a box full of essentials and drop it off at one of the allocated drop spots listed on https://mdzananda.co.za/make-a-donation/ . Goods to pack in the box include Hills A/D tinned food (for recovering pets), Milko Pup or Kitty Milk (for bottle-fed babies), food, blankets, hot water bottles, cat litter, automatic washing powder (for blanket washing), black bags (for cage cleaning), leads, collars and dog jackets.
If you can’t pack a box but wish to sponsor one, make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Nedbank, Current account 1314465147, Branch code: 198765, Reference Box + Your Name or visit www.mdzananda.co.za
“The pets and rescues of Khayelitsha thanks everyone in advance for supporting this campaign to keep the animals warm this winter,” says du Plessis.
Pictures of previous shoeboxes received
About Mdzananda Animal Clinic (www.mdzananda.co.za)
The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a permanent, veterinary council registered, NPO animal clinic and shelter in Khayelitsha, a township just outside of Cape Town, South Africa, home to 400 000 people (2011 census) and their pets. The reality is that the number is closer to one million people and that there is an estimate of 300 000 companion animals.
The clinic serves over 1500 animals per month through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, a sterilisation clinic, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and a homeless pet shelter. Mdzananda has a strong focus on community empowerment and education to ensure responsible pet ownership into the future.
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