Floki was the subject of 42 colourful works of art that helped raise thousands of rands for animals waiting for their forever homes.
Johannesburg, South Africa (31 July 2026) – Last weekend, Messy Masterpieces hosted its latest Paint for a PurPAWS fundraiser. The event brought together 42 painters who all picked up a brush to support the Kempton Park SPCA.
By the end of the day, an incredible R8,550 had been raised for animals in need!
Messy Masterpieces is the passion project of founder Sonette vd Merwe, who started the social paint experience just over a year ago. Her events welcome dozens of people to paint, laugh and discover that art can be fun.
Supporting animal shelters and rescue organisations has always been part of her story and something she is deeply passionate about, she tells us. The recent fundraiser for animal welfare was far from her first rodeo.
Messy Masterpieces has previously hosted events supporting the SANParks Honorary Rangers’ K9 Watchdog Project, and later this year it will once again partner with Kempton Park Feral Felines to raise funds for the rescue organisation.
“I truly believe that creativity has the power to change lives. If we can spend an afternoon painting while making a meaningful difference for animals in need, then that’s exactly what Messy Masterpieces is all about.”
The event was promoted through social media, with support from the Kempton Express, but Sonette says much of the fundraiser’s success came down to the loyal community that has formed around Messy Masterpieces over the past year.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. Our guests aren’t just seat numbers, they become genuine friends. Time and time again, they show up not only to paint, but to support the causes that matter most to us. That sense of community is what made this fundraiser so special.”
Floki, the rescue dog, was the afternoon’s star model. Sonette adopted him from the Kempton Park SPCA in April 2024, where he joined her family alongside his four rescue siblings – Neshoma, Toothless, Jessie and Hiccup.
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Lovemore and His Team Are Cleaning up Joburg Neighbourhoods One Bag at a TimeOn Saturday, he became the subject and inspiration for all 42 paintings created during the fundraiser. Every artist painted their own version of the handsome pup, each capturing a different side of his sweet, gentlemanly character!
“He is the biggest gentleman you’ll ever meet. He loves nothing more than a good cuddle, gives the slobberiest kisses imaginable, and absolutely loves going for walks. He’s also very vocal, so you’ll always know exactly where he is!” Sonette says. “Floki has the biggest brown eyes you’ve ever seen and has mastered the puppy-dog stare to expert level. Mom and Dad don’t stand a chance, we’re completely wrapped around his little paw. Every fundraiser like this is for dogs just like Floki, those waiting for someone to give them the chance to become another family’s whole world too.”
Supporting organisations like the Kempton Park SPCA will always be a cause close to Sonette’s heart, as well as those of her army of paintbrush-wielding supporters.
“Animals don’t have a voice of their own. They are thrown into a world where so many face abandonment, neglect, and cruelty through no fault of their own. Without animal rescue organisations, countless animals would be left defenceless, hungry, and without hope,” she says. “If I could save every single one of them, I would. I would give them all a warm bed, endless cuddles, long walks, and a family to call their own. Sadly, I can’t. But for as long as I am able, I will continue to stand alongside animal shelters and do everything I can to help them save as many lives as possible.”
With 42 paintings and one very good boy, thousands of rands have now been donated to the Kempton Park SPCA!
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