We cannot underestimate the impact that the COVID-19 Lockdown is having on people who have lost their source of income, been retrenched or been placed on unpaid leave… leaving many vulnerable pets in a bad place too.
Cape Town, South Africa (25 June 2020) – It’s that time of the year when there’s a definite bite in the air, letting us know winter is here. With the chilly drop in overnight temperatures, TEARS Animal Rescue has launched a GIVE WARMTH campaign and is on a mission to collect blankets, kennels and other items to keep vulnerable pets warm this winter!
The impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on low-income communities means that many are not able to provide for their pets as they once were. People and families living on or near the breadline are struggling to come up with the funds to simply feed their pets, let alone provide them with the comfort of a blanket or adequate shelter during the coldest time of the year.
The public is invited to purchase fleece blankets, wooden kennels or a bag of pet food from the TEARS Online Shop to give warmth and security to pets in need. All purchases made on the site will be distributed to those most affected within at-risk communities TEARS supports. Visit https://bit.ly/DonateGiveWarmth to give warmth this winter.
Says TEARS Animal Rescue General Manager, Lauren Carlyle, “We cannot underestimate the impact that the COVID-19 Lockdown is having on people who have lost their source of income, been retrenched or been placed on unpaid leave. While many pet owners are trying to improvise and create shelters with materials they can find, many of these makeshift shelters are inadequate, and companion animals are left out in the cold. Don’t let another night pass – please Give Warmth this winter.”
Registered as an essential service during the Lockdown, and with its established infrastructure and operational footprint in low-income communities in the Southern Peninsula of the Western Cape (namely Vrygrond, Ocean View, Redhill, and Masiphumelele), TEARS Animal Rescue has been assisting sick, injured and stray pets as well as distributing 9 000kgs of donated and sponsored pet food from Ladles of Love, Martin & Martin, Montego, Rawvolution, Doggobone and the general public to communities and families most affected by the Lockdown.
R92 000 has been donated towards the organisation’s Emergency Animal Relief Fund, helping to keep the TEARS Welfare Veterinary and Mobile Clinics operating and able to respond to animals in need.
To create a sustainable income stream, TEARS Animal Rescue continues to operate its’ TEARS Online Shop. All profits made from online pet food and supplies purchases – including treats, health and medication, and tick, flea and worm protection – are redirected to provide homeless animals rescue, relief, and protection. Collection and delivery options are available to Cape Town residents.
TEARS Animal Rescue Marketing Coordinator, Luke Kruyt comments, “We stock a wide range of premium pet food and pet supply brands, all sold at retail prices. However, the difference for the consumer is the peace of mind that comes from knowing their purchase supports a good cause. All profit generated from the TEARS Online Shop fuel the care we provide and the work we do to help animals and support communities in need.”
Each purchase contributes towards the shelter, rehabilitation, and care of up to 200 companion animals at TEARS Animal Rescue, with proceeds feeding back into numerous TEARS outreach schemes. These include the sterilisation and vaccination of companion animals in vulnerable communities, children’s education programmes, and the rescue of animals in distress across Cape Town’s South Peninsula.
“Your contribution offers vulnerable animals a second chance. Whether it’s to Give Warmth this winter or to buy your own pet staples, use your shopping power for good by buying from the TEARS Online Shop,” concludes Kruyt.
Collection: Available within two days from TEARS Head Office (Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale, Cape Town)
Delivery: Within 2–4 working days at R90 courier fee (Cape Town only)
Please allow for extra lead time due to delays.
SHOP WITH YOUR HEART TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED: https://tears.org.za/shop/
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