Forgotten paintings and animal artworks all contributed to funding a record R70 200 for the animals in need at TEARS Animal Rescue through this year’s RePAWposed TEARS Art Exhibition and Auction.

The total amount was recently announced by TEARS and marks a significant increase on last year’s effort of R50 500.TEARS Animal Rescue is a non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Sunnydale, Cape Town.

Founded in 1999, it rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes abandoned, abused, and injured companion animals.

It operates a veterinary hospital and mobile clinics providing free sterilisation and subsidised care for low-income communities.

The exhibition features 40 one-of-a-kind pieces, each carrying not only a creative story but also the promise of making a real difference.

Fundraiser

Each year, artists and members of the public are challenged to select a thrifted painting and transform it into something completely new by adding their own artistic vision.

Hosted by Noordhoek Art Point Gallery in July, the annual fundraising exhibition brought together local artists, animal lovers, collectors and members of the community in support of TEARS.

This year’s R70 200 represents an increase of almost 39%, providing a valuable boost to TEARS’ ongoing rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming work across the South Peninsula.

For Noordhoek Art Point Gallery owner and artist Aimee Kruger, the result is a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together behind a shared cause.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the amount raised this year. To see the total grow from R50 500 last year to R70 200 this year is incredibly rewarding, but more importantly, we know that this money will make a real difference to animals who desperately need help,” says Kruger.

Creative twist

RePAWposed is about celebrating what can happen when we give something a second chance.

“The paintings are given a new life through the creativity of artists, the rescue dogs became artists themselves, and ultimately the funds raised give animals at TEARS another chance at a better life.

That is what makes this event so special.”

The exhibition featured around 40 artworks, each beginning life as a pre-loved or unwanted painting sourced from TEARS charity shops before being transformed by artists and members of the public into original new pieces.

In a creative twist that captures the spirit of the event, some of the rescue dogs at TEARS were also given the chance to create their own artwork, adding paw prints and colour to canvases that found their way into the auction.

The growing success of RePAWposed reflects the generosity of the Noordhoek community and the broader South Peninsula, where support for animal welfare organisations continues to strengthen year after year.

For more information about future events, visit www.noordhoekartpoint.co.za.

ALSO READ: Rescue dogs turn artists to raise funds for TEARS Animal Rescue