Cape Town - A group of seven trail guides and mountain hikers have been hailed for participating in a gruelling challenge which raised more than R50 000 for the Cape of Good Hope (COGH) SPCA.
The SPCA recorded a 24% increase in the number of surrendered or abandoned pet cases between November last year and January, with the number continuing to increase daily.
When the group of animal lovers heard about the pressure the SPCA faced, they got together to participate in an epic 70km journey on Sunday, by cycling and hiking from the Cape Point lighthouse to the bottom of Platteklip Gorge.
Event organiser Binny Ridgway said they planned the adventure to raise money for the SPCA which has lost revenue amid an increased demand for their services.
“We were also delighted to have something to put our minds and energies into.
“As a group we’ve largely lost our livelihoods in the past year, so having a purpose that includes an opportunity to fulfil our passion for nature and raise funds for a deserving cause has been great,” said Ridgway.
The group started at 7.30am, cycling 35km from Cape Point to Kalk
Bay, then regrouped and hiked the rest of the way to the bottom of Platteklip Gorge, ending at 8pm.
“Luckily rain held off for most of the day except for a few brief showers, although it was misty and cold from the wind towards the end.
“Special thanks to AWOL Tours for their back-up vehicle support, which was essential,” said Ridgway.
COGH SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham said: “We have anything between 300 and 500 animals on site on any given day. The full socialeconomic impact of Covid-19 has not yet been realised, the ripple effect on the animal welfare sector is only just beginning and there is no immediate reprieve in sight. We need this support more now than ever before as we face increased demands on our already thinly stretched resources.”
Abraham said it was better that pet owners surrender their pets into the organisation’s care than just abandon them to a life on the streets and an uncertain fate.
To support the SPCA, donations can be deposited directly into the SPCA’s bank account: Standard Bank Constantia, account: Cape of Good Hope SPCA, account number: 0718 32858, Reference: Trails4Tails
For more information, email Natasha Johannes at awareness@spca-ct. co.za or WhatsApp 074 580 6022.
Cape Times