Kennels for a Cause was launched by Aneska and Shaun Spies after seeing several animals in need at an animal welfare’s vaccination drive.
Somerset West, South Africa (12 May 2021) – After visiting a vaccination day hosted by a local animal shelter, Aneska and Shaun Spies decided to do something to help the animals they saw. They started building kennels to ensure each dog had protection from the coldest days and shelter from the blazing sun.
“That day I walked away, with such sadness and yet with such a great appreciation for my doggie waiting for me at home, with her very own kennel, a warm and comfy bed at night, breakfast, snacks and supper everyday and access to veterinarian care at any time. My heart ached for the people who wanted more for their animals, but were financially unable to provide that for them.
I asked my husband, there must be something we can do? And that is where this crazy idea was born.” – Aneska Spies
The couple started with one kennel, and as they inspired people to donate, they made even more. Sourcing affordable materials and reclaiming pallets, they are able to keep costs very low, and an individual or business need only pay R350 to have a kennel made and donated in their name to an animal or organisation in need.
“The awesome thing is, anyone can choose which organisation these kennels can go to. You pick the recipient, I make contact with them once the kennel is done, to say that they have been donated a kennel and then it would just need to be collected from us. We unfortunately do not have the means to deliver… just yet.
But we will get there. We have also given the public the option to buy these kennels from us in a private capacity, the proceeds then goes directly back into procuring more materials to make the kennels for the organizations. What is also cool, is that Shaun makes these nifty key holders with our offcut wood and once again all our proceeds goes back into Kennels For A Cause.”
As mentioned above, a kennel offers a means of protection for animals during harsh weather. What is also great is the kennels raise awareness and show other pet owners the importance of having suitable housing for their pets.
The first kennel was completed on the 24th of April, and since then, they have made several more. Shaun has tweaked his design since they first started, and they have added waterproofing to the roof and added a removable astroturf bottom.
They now have 7 kennels ready for delivery to dogs in need.
For those unable to make a cash donation, the Kennel for a Cause welcome donations of screws, pallet wood and wood glue. You can reach out via Facebook for more information.
“We are always looking for donations. The biggest expense we have, is the wood. We are specifically looking for timber companies who are able to either sponsor us wood or give it to us at a discounted rate. I started emailing a few companies within Somerset West to assist us in our cause and one company took a chance on us.
Artificial Grass Helderberg have been so amazing in sponsoring us the AstroTurf inside our kennels.
I guess people are always cautious to donate if they can’t see what it’s going towards but now that we have built a few kennels, they can see what it is they are sowing into.”
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