When reminded of the contribution their fund-raising efforts enable us to make to this worthy cause, one of the boys remarked “I’ll never look at a Fizzer in the same way again.” Save a Pet is home to more than 200 rescued animals and does sterling work in rehabilitating them and placing them in new homes. Sadly they get new arrivals faster than homes can be found for them but it is their policy only to euthanase those who are past help.

This year PAW was also asked to assist two ex-Victorians in a 3rd year Public Relations project to raise funds for SAMREC, the South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre. PAW members rose to the challenge and sold raffle tickets in aid of Penguin Conservation, raising more than R1400.

Groups of VP learners have also been to the new SAMREC headquarters at Cape Receife, to learn about their conservation efforts and it is hoped that some of them will volunteer to work there on a regular basis. Our Penguins are seriously endangered, chiefly due to over fishing in our coastal waters and there is a very real possibility that the next generation of South Africans may never see an African Penguin, if we do not take urgent action to save them. SAMREC is a very new conservation facility and there is much equipment of which they are in need.

The items which top their wish list are listed below and if anyone is able to donate any of these items or assist with the purchase of same please phone Jared at 041 5831830 or 0835779525.

SAMREC’s Wish List

2 Stainless Steel Tables
2 Chest Freezers
Fridge
Platform Scale
Hospital Lockable Cabinet
Computer
Centrifuge
Top Loader Washing Machine
2 Cash Registers
Microwave
Display Cabinets
4×4 Response Vehicle
Large Screen TV
Utility Vehicle
Finishing Show Pool
4 Porta-Pools
Shelving

C Martindale

PAW members have had a busy year so far. In our efforts to raise funds for Animal Charities we have held a raffle, run a hamburger stall at the Victoria Park Arts Festival and spent many a break time selling sweets in the playground. It is always amazing to see how much money can be raised by selling sweets for 20 or 50 cents each, provided enough dedicated people undertake the task energetically. This our PAW members certainly do, some of them selling up to 200 mini-fizzers in a day and our sweet sales alone account for upwards of R3000 annually, all of which is donated to such charities as Save a Pet and Ellen Dunning’s Domestic Animal Care.
PAW paid a visit to the Animal Welfare shelter to assist with dipping dogs, an outing which all participating members enjoyed. At present we are collecting blankets and tins of dog food for the dogs in the shelter at Save a Pet. It is certain that the efforts of our PAW members are beneficial to many underprivileged animals who cannot plead for help for themselves.

“Animals are such agreeable friends, they ask no questions and pass no criticisms” (George Bernard Shaw). If you want truly unconditional love, get a dog.