GQEBERHA – What began with the adoption of a puppy and a desire to give back has grown into an annual community campaign helping shelters and vulnerable animals across Nelson Mandela Bay.

Finn’s Furry Friends Paw Project, which started shortly after lockdown, was born from the special bond between Lesa-Maré Harris and her dog Finn, that she adopted as a tiny puppy from a litter born to a miniature pinscher in Port Alfred.

“When we adopted him during lockdown and interprovincial travel restrictions, he was so tiny,” Harris recalled. “He changed my life so much. For years, I wanted a dog, and he just came at the right time.”

Finn quickly became more than just a pet.

“Finn is my best friend, travel companion and my baby,” Harris shared with the PE Express. “He is more of a friend than a pet, and offers endless love and wagging tail vibes to everyone who visits.”

When Finn turned one, Harris decided to celebrate his birthday in a meaningful way.

“We had a birthday party for him with pupcakes, and instead of buying him gifts, we collected donations for animals in need,” she said. “In that first year, we received so much, which was amazing, and then it doubled in size the following year.”

Now in its fifth year, the campaign has expanded significantly, with five drop-off points operating across the region.

“In celebration of Finn’s sixth birthday in June, we have restarted his charity project,” Harris said. “His birthday is on 24 June, so the campaign runs from 1 May until 24 June.”

During May and June, residents are encouraged to donate dog and cat food, blankets, collars, leashes, pet bowls and other animal-related supplies.

Monetary donations are also welcomed and used to support veterinary care and animal welfare projects.

The donations are distributed to shelters and organisations caring for stray and homeless animals in and around the Nelson Mandela Bay area.

In 2025, the project collected more than 338kg of dog food, 25kg of cat food, canned food, blankets, pet bowls, dog beds, leashes and pet shampoo, along with R2 500 that went towards vaccinations and sterilisation programmes for animals in need.

Harris said many rescue organisations continue to face financial pressure, making community support more important than ever. “This year we are aiming even higher,” she said.

Residents can drop off donations at the following locations:

• Zbrands — Villiers Road, Walmer

• JBay Toerisme Sentrum — Jeffreys Bay

• OJ Charity Shop — Oosterland Jeug Sentrum, Despatch

• Mount Pleasant Vet — Buffelsfontein Road

• Daylee Creations — Lorraine

For more information about the campaign, residents can contact Harris at lesamareharris@gmail.com.

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