Three SPCA branches in the KZN get much-needed funding thanks to an annual fun walk called the 1000 Paws Walk.
South Africa (24 January 2024) – The plight of the SPCA in Komani (formerly Queenstown), has brought the desperate hand-to-mouth existence of most animal welfare organisations in SA into the spotlight. This is how three SPCAs use the annual 1000 Paws Walk to raise much-needed funds.
Fundraising is vital for all charities and animal welfare organisations to stay open, which is why, for more than 15 years, a group of dedicated volunteers have come together to plan the annual 1000 Paws Walk event. The 1000 Paws project collects funds for the three SPCAs that serve the KZN Midlands: the Pietermaritzburg, Umngeni-Howick, and Mooi River & District SPCAs. Some members of this committee are retired but have lots of energy (as Atholl Midgley at 84 will testify), some are still working, but all are passionate about making a difference to animals in need in the area.
“The 1000 Paws campaign has grown from a one-day walk at Orient Park outside the town of Howick to an innovative, multi-level programme that includes a schools’ collection tin competition, a raffle with amazing prizes including luxury holidays, corporate sponsorship as well as the actual 1000 Paws Walk, which is now in its 15 year (we were not allowed to have a Walk during the COVID lockdown),” says 1000 Paws committee member, Gaynor Lawson.
The multi-level nature of the 1000 Paws programme means that even if the event is hit by bad weather that puts people off attending – as in 2023, when a freezing, wet day reduced attendance and stalls by almost half – the raffle, schools campaign and corporate support still make it a significant fundraiser for the three SPCAs.
“Last year’s event, which was held at the beautiful Highgate Wine Estate near Howick in bitterly cold weather, saw around 283 hardy walkers with 139 dogs (most snuggled into warm clothing and jackets – both owners and their dogs!), coming along to support 1000 Paws, despite the weather,” says Gaynor.
“Because of our sponsors, raffle tickets buyers, prize donors and wonderful school pupils, we raised over R136,000 for each SPCA. We are so lucky to have key supporters such as Hill’s Pet Nutrition, N3TC, and local businesses such as Hulamin, Mascor, Safire Insurance and many others, that are vital to the success of 1000 Paws, year after year.”
This year’s 1000 Paws Walk will be held on 2 June, again at Highgate Wine Estate, so if you are in the Midlands area, head on over and make 2024 a bumper year for raising funds for animal welfare in this vast and largely rural area.
Did you know?
- The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), is the oldest animal welfare organisation in the country, with the first branch founded in the Cape in 1872 – it still exists today as the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
- Each SPCA is started by the community it serves – not the NSPCA or central government – and stays open thanks to donations by its community. Without this support, an SPCA could close its doors forever.
- The SPCA protects every living creature, including wildlife, domestic pets, livestock, birds, fish and reptiles.
For info about this year’s 1000 Paws campaign, please contact Gaynor Lawson, the PR representative on the 1000 Paws Walk planning committee via email at glawson@global.co.za.
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