KARIEGA – In just seven weeks, the SPCA Uitenhage has raised R2.7 million to secure a new property, averting an imminent eviction after the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) terminated its occupancy agreement.
The organisation recently secured a lifeline in what many feared was its final chapter, reaching its ambitious fundraising target in less than two months and paving the way for a new home for hundreds of vulnerable animals.
The milestone marks a dramatic turnaround for the organisation, which had been facing an uncertain future following the expiry of its municipal tender agreement, and now stands on the brink of purchasing a new property.
Central to this breakthrough were two anonymous donors: an unidentified individual who donated R500,000 and one known publicly as Penny, whose last-minute contribution helped push the campaign over the line; a moment SPCA Uitenhage chairperson Deirdré Swift described as both overwhelming and deeply symbolic of the power of community support.
Speaking to UD Express, Swift shared the current status of the property purchase and when the organisation realistically expects to be operational at the new location.
While our offer to purchase our dream property is in the finalisation process, at this stage we cannot confirm any time frame as to when we shall be fully operational at our new location.
Although the organisation achieved its fundraising target in just under two months, she confirmed that the millions raised are purely for purchasing the property. However, she noted that “The infrastructure currently on-site will allow us to operate as a SPCA fulfilling our mandate which is the prevention of cruelty, but kennel construction will require additional funding/assistance.”
When asked how having this permanent facility will change what the SPCA Uitenhage can offer to animals and the community, Swift said that the organisation has always worked tirelessly to provide support and assistance to the community and their animals.
“Having a SPCA-owned property instils confidence and assurance that this service will remain accessible to all who need it for the future to come.”
Sharing advice to other organisations who could face similar challenges, Swift said, “What has become imminently clear through this whole experience is that while working in animal welfare can be soul-destroying, and despite your best efforts the rewards seem so few, we have learnt that however unsure or vulnerable you might feel, follow your instincts and remain true to your passion and values.”
She added that the incredible support and belief in the SPCA from the NMB community and beyond has been humbling and has proven that humanity will prevail.
It cemented our belief that animals not only enrich our lives but form an integral part of a civilised society. For that we are grateful beyond words.
Swift previously told UD Express that the organisation does not foresee a future where it provides municipal pound services, and added that the NMBM had successfully paid all outstanding debt for services rendered, ending a decades-long partnership between the municipality and the organisation.
To the community who rallied behind SPCA Uitenhage to make their dream of keeping their doors open a reality, Swift expressed immense gratitude.
“‘Thank you’ seems so inadequate, but to everyone who has supported us, these two little words come with immense gratitude and respect. We could never have achieved a near-impossible target without your commitment and determination; a legacy that will serve countless animals in future years,” she concluded.
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