“WE can’t go forward without the support of the public. This is absolutely amazing, I am speechless, thank you … thank you!”
These words were from an astounded Deirdre Swift, chairperson of the Uitenhage SPCA, after receiving R20 200 from Debby Nass, owner of Concorde Bakery in Main Street, Despatch.
“You did not only make my day; you made the whole of December,” said Swift.
“I am so grateful, Concorde Bakery always supports us, but this is just mind-blowing. Thank you to their patrons, their clients to each one who contributed to this huge donation.
“It could not have come at a better time, especially this time of the year.”
Nass, owner of Concorde Bakery for the past 25 years, said the whole idea started with Denise van der Mescht, one of her employees, who asked that instead of giving away the two Christmas hampers, rather to raise money towards a worthy cause as they knew the SPCA so desperately need money.
“We had a target in mind, but our clients have by far exceeded that,” said Nass.
“It simply is just amazing how they supported the venture; we are blessed to have clients like this. The support of clients was phenomenal.
“Where do you still get people that are so willing and prepared to do things like this in this day and age?”
Frans Swanepoel was nominated to be present to officiate the draws and handing over of the money.
“The timing was perfect, and the amount raised by a single business is absolutely fantastic,” said Swanepoel.
“The SPCA is in the most difficult time of the year as annually during the festive season there is a sudden increase in stray and neglected animals.”
Sarie Venter, organiser of the Concorde Bakery Christmas hamper project, said raffle tickets were sold at R5 each.
“Our cashiers sparked and went out of their way to encourage clients and the public to support the raffle fundraising. Thank you to everyone who supported it,” said Venter.
- The winners of the hampers are Mariska Nel and Carla Jonker.
