The Mdzananda Animal Clinic’s Wagging Winter Shoebox drive is back! Pack a box or sponsor one to help pets in Khayelitsha stay warm, safe and loved through the cold Cape Town winter.
Khayelitsha, South Africa (23 June 2025) – As Cape Town battles through wintery wind, rain and icy chills, pets in Khayelitsha are braving the cold with little more than courage and hope. But thanks to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, there’s a chance for all of us to lend helping a paw.
Their annual Wagging Winter Shoebox drive is officially underway. It is a heartfelt initiative that invites the public to pack a box of love, warmth and essentials for pets in need.
“Many people want to help but don’t always know how,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive at Mdzananda. “This campaign makes it easy, and impactful. Each box packed means one more animal gets the comfort and care they desperately need this winter.”
Township pets face harsh conditions, with many living outdoors through Cape Town’s wettest and coldest months. The clinic sees a rise in winter-related cases, from hypothermia to road accidents caused by slippery streets and poor visibility.
“While a growing number of Khayelitsha pet owners are taking great strides in caring for their animals; investing in kennels, leads, proper food, there are still many pets who don’t have enough to get them through the cold,” explains du Plessis.
That’s where your shoeboxes come in.
How to help:
Pack a shoebox with winter necessities and drop it off at a designated spot (find the full list here). Ideal items include:
- Hill’s A/D tinned food (for recovering pets)
- Milko Pup or Kitty Milk (for bottle-fed babies)
- Pet food
- Blankets and hot water bottles
- Dog jackets, collars and leads
- Cat litter
- Washing powder (for blankets)
- Black bags (for cage cleaning)
If packing a box isn’t possible, donations are just as appreciated. You can sponsor a shoebox by contributing directly:
- Account Name: Mdzananda Animal Clinic
- Bank: Nedbank
- Account Type: Current Account 1314465147
- Branch Code: 198765
- Reference: “Box + Your Name”
“Even the smallest act of kindness can change an animal’s entire winter,” says du Plessis. “Thank you to everyone helping us keep township pets warm, healthy and loved this season.”
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