First SPCA sleepathon done and dusted

GEORGE NEWS - A handful of animal lovers and Garden Route SPCA (GRSPCA) staff and supporters gathered for their first sleep-athon on Saturday 6 November.

And although the organisers hoped for a better outcome, much fun was had by those who joined.

"We would've liked to see every animal in our kennels with a cuddle buddy, but we are still extremely grateful for those who came and those who made a donation towards the cause or sponsored us to make the event possible. We had a lot of fun, love and cuddles," said GRSPCA's fundraising and marketing manager, Rika Bouwer.

To her the highlight was to see the animals happy and being loved all day and night. "For some of the animals it was their first night sleeping with a human."

An added bonus was that three dogs were adopted after bonding with their human cuddle buddies during the event.

"We would like to thank each and everyone who slept at the kennels with us. Was it comfortable? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely yes," Bouwer said.

Helena Honiball le Roux opted to spend her night sleeping in the cattery.

All proceeds of the event will be going towards the GRSPCA's campaign to sterilise a total of 2021 dogs and cats in the George and Mossel Bay branches. Anyone who would like to contribute to this cause can contact the SPCA on 044 878 1990.

They are still short of money to reach their target, so any donations, big or small, will be greatly appreciated.

The next sleepathon will be held at the Mossel Bay branch of the GRSPCA on Friday 19 November. For more information, please contact Vanessa Barnard on 082 444 3712 / vicechair@grspca.co.za or Andelean Silkstone on 064 544 6200 / secretary@grspca.co.za.

Avid SPCA supporter and animal lover, Karlien Swart, gets a big kiss from one of the puppies homed at the kennels.