1) The uMngeni SPCA holds many responsibilities, the most important being to continue caring for the welfare of all animals, great or small. We are always available to assist other SPCAs with disasters in their area. One example, the chicken truck which overturned was in PMB SPCA’S area of operation.

2) We have a very active Outreach Programme. Apart from the sterilisation of dogs and cats, we also improve the living conditions of animals by educating owners on responsible pet care. We average 120 sterilisations per month, we have had to drastically reduce the number of animals sterilised due to a lack of funding. The OKZN sterilisation project has ended, therefore we no longer have access to funds. We are desperate for funds to continue with this vital aspect of preventing cruelty and neglect of animals.

3) Every bit of fundraising we plan and execute is arranged by an Events Committee made up of 12 volunteers that are passionate about animals and believe that through various fundraising events being brought to fruition, raises much needed funds to assist in keeping our doors open to animals in need.

4) We have two talented seamstresses that can take a piece of donated material and make up all sorts of things with the pieces, such as, cushion covers, curtains, bags, quilts, aprons etc. These two ladies donate their time and skills to make these creative pieces for us to sell in our retail shops.

5) We have volunteers that make cards for us, and volunteers that count hundreds of coins for us from our tins that are situated in and around Howick. Not an easy job but one that we are grateful is done by such efficient people who happily volunteer to do this for us whenever needed.

6) Other volunteers walk our dogs that are in our kennels on Saturday mornings and Kitty Cuddlers visit the cats on a Tuesday afternoon, to socialize them and of course, to give them a good scratch and cuddle.

7) At Greendale Spar, on the left hand side as you walk in, there are letter boxes marked with various charities’ names, one being uMngeni SPCA. You can pop your till slip into the box and Spar will donate 1% of your amount on your till slip to us.

8) There are collection tins marked with our label on them, all over town and surrounding areas – even on the Midlands Meander, so if you see one of these tins anywhere, please pop your coins into them, they really go a long way to buying pet food and anything else that animals in our care might need.

9) Fireworks season is coming up and we will be erecting a display thereof outside Pick n Pay on the 1st November. Loud fireworks do affect animals so receiving knowledge on this helps spread the word. It’s unacceptable to let off loud fireworks but bright fireworks without the noise are acceptable.

10) Lastly, we hold an annual street collection in October every year in support of International Animal Week and this year, we raised R7270 from you, the community!

In conclusion, volunteers are truly the backbone of a Society like ours, without them, we are unable to cope with all that needs doing, they are our support network, and when all the wheels are turning, it makes for a fine working team. In saying this, we always need supporters, whether its financially or to assist in various tasks, so if you have a few hours to spare, please let me know. You can email pro@howickspca.org.za and I will happily slot you in where you would be of most help. Support in terms of financial could be to take out a raffle ticket, or attend an event, or join us as a member of our Society for a small fee and you can then receive an annual newsletter, attend AGM’s and offer to assist us in raising funds, which is an ongoing project.