Santa Cause for Paws has just wrapped up its three-day ‘Poorly Drawn’ fundraiser, and the pet portraits have us grinning from ear to ear!
South Africa (29 July 2026) – The fundraiser, which took place from 26 to 28 July, saw the creation of more than 53 ‘poorly drawn’ portraits of supporters’ pets – cats, dogs, bunnies, hamsters and more!
Dozens of supporters submitted photos of their pets for Santa Cause for Paws’ team of volunteer artists to create endearingly imperfect works of art based on the reference images. Each portrait was made with love – and questionable drawing skills – before being shared online in exchange for a R25 donation.
With more than 53 portraits now live in the dedicated fundraiser album on Facebook, the initiative would have raised at least R1,325 towards the NPC’s mission of collecting gifts for shelter animals and supporting township and feral animals in need.
One of the volunteer group’s biggest initiatives is its annual drive, which supports well over 100 animal welfare organisations and shelters. Each year, a long list of deserving animal welfare organisations is selected as Santa’s recipients. Every organisation receives a Facebook album filled with photos of the animals in its care. Supporters scroll through, find the faces that steal their hearts, and choose to sponsor them with a R250 donation.
Last year, more than R1.1 million was raised through sponsorships, with 4,558 animals across 216 organisations benefiting from the massive drive.
The Poorly Drawn fundraiser helps support that incredible work. While the fundraiser has now closed, you can still browse all of the wonderfully wonky (and equally hilarious) artworks here.
If you’d like to lend your support, have a look through this year’s beneficiary albums and choose an animal you’d like to sponsor. Every donation helps make a meaningful difference.
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