HUMANSDORP – The team at Humansdorp SPCA Assisi is calling on compassionate community members to step forward and help make a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals across the Kouga region.

Established to protect and care for neglected, abused, abandoned and stray animals, SPCA Assisi serves Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, St Francis Bay, Hankey, Patensie and surrounding areas.

Louise Bakkes of SPCA Assisi said the organisation’s mandate is rooted in animal welfare, rescue, rehabilitation, education and responsible pet ownership.

“Every day, the dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure animals receive the care, medical treatment and second chances they deserve,” said Bakkes.

Currently, the organisation cares for many dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, with new animals arriving regularly.

Bakkes said that, with the growing demand for animal welfare services and increasing operational costs, community support has become more important than ever before.

Although SPCA Assisi has a few loyal and hardworking volunteers, more helping hands are urgently needed to assist with the growing workload and improve the lives of the animals in their care.

“We simply cannot do this alone,” said Bakkes.

“Volunteers play an enormous role in the emotional wellbeing of our animals and the success of our fundraising efforts.”

Volunteers can assist in several rewarding areas, including:

• Helping in the kennels by walking dogs and socialising with cats to provide love, stimulation and companionship

• Assisting with weekend tin collections by offering even just one hour on Saturdays to help raise much-needed funds

• Supporting the organisation during the festive season by volunteering as gift wrappers at Fountains Mall between 16 and 25 December, one of the SPCA’s important annual fundraising projects.

• Helping in the charity shop by sorting, pricing and marking donated items

• Assisting at fundraising events, transporting donations and helping spread awareness on social media

• Painting, repairs and minor maintenance chores around the SPCA facilities

• Gardening and landscaping assistance for those with green fingers and a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces.

Bakkes said no previous experience is required to become a volunteer.

Instead, the most important qualities are compassion, reliability, patience and a willingness to help.

“One volunteer spent weeks patiently sitting with a frightened rescue dog that had lost all trust in people,” Bakkes recalled.

“Eventually, the dog began wagging its tail, accepting affection and finally found a loving forever home. It reminded us how powerful kindness and consistency can be.”

Beyond practical help, Bakkes said SPCA Assisi is looking for volunteers who are empathetic, dependable, positive and willing to work as part of a team dedicated to animal welfare.

She said interested volunteers can contact Humansdorp SPCA Assisi directly to learn more about available opportunities.

“The process is simple and welcoming, usually involving a short discussion about availability, interests and where assistance is most needed,” said Bakkes.

She said community members who may not have time to volunteer are also encouraged to support the organisation through donations of pet food, blankets, cleaning supplies or by adopting an animal in need of a loving home.

“Even one hour of your time can make a world of difference,” said Bakkes.

“Every act of kindness helps us continue our mission of protecting and caring for the animals who need us most.”

The organisation is also looking for forever homes for the following animals, all of whom are worthy of wonderful, loving homes.

Sasha is a two-year-old Labrador cross.

Buksie is an 8-year-old Jack Russell.

Billy is an 8-year-old Jack Russell.

Adoption fees include sterilisation, microchipping, deworming and vaccinations.

For more information or to join Humansdorp SPCA Assisi, contact Louise Bakkes on 082 879 6509, contact the office on 066 297 9010 or visit the SPCA Assisi Humansdorp Facebook page.

For adoption enquiries, contact Ettienne Opperman on 066 297 9010 or visit the SPCA in St Francis Street, Humansdorp to personally meet the animals.

Additionally, interested locals can become committee members for an annual membership fee of R100, with the next annual general meeting taking place on 14 July at 18:00 at the Jeffreys Bay Bowling Club.

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