CAPE TOWN: Animals are a man’s best, friend and a group of runners and cyclists have gone the extra mile for their furry heroes.
The group of Cape of Good Hope SPCA supporters have raised more than R250 000 for the largest animal welfare organisation in South Africa, and the funds are still rolling in.
The team of animal warriors raised these funds leading up to their respective events – The Cape Town Cycle Tour and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon through networking, social media, co-workers, friends, family and the public.
All of the funds would be used for the SPCA’s adoptions unit and wildlife department.
One of the SPCA runners, Andrew Ross, said there are three things in life he loves: running, dogs and charity.
“I was lucky in life to have pets at a young age. Ever since then, they have always had a special place in my heart. They mean no harm and only have love to give,” he said.
Ross will take part in the 42.2km event on Sunday.
“First official race since Covid 19, so I'm really excited. A great day out on the road with a fellow fundraiser spreading some smiles. I always tell people I run for four reasons. To keep fit, get others faster, charity and to continue eating junk food. Continue to be kind to all animals, stay smiling and shining,” he said.
One of the SPCA cyclists, Shivani Ghai, did the Cape Town Cycle Tour on Sunday.
Ghai said she decided to be part of the SPCA’s cycle team because she loves animals deeply and unconditionally.
“I believe they are the most disenfranchised members of our society because they literally do not have a voice. Animals, especially dogs, love humans unconditionally, despite these circumstances that they are bred and raised in,” she said.
“The SPCA does truly phenomenal work in ensuring animal rights are upheld by intervening in many of these instances, often going into extremely dangerous situations. They also connect these abused animals to homes that will keep and love them.
“Their facility, which I had an opportunity to tour extensively, also performs hundreds of medical miracles a day for animals who need medical assistance. And all of this happens through funds raised by people like you and me. There can be no better example of #bettertogether,” she added.
Chief executive of Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Moyo Ndukwana, said: “Passion is everything and it’s united in this passion that we can change tomorrow for animals. By starting today and sharing in our passion for a kinder world for animals, these runners and cyclists are the support we need to continue to do the work that we love, and they enable us to do more. We thank them for their support, their dedication to our cause, and their love for animals.”
Weekend Argus