PET Pals have found a piece of land to relocate its animal sanctuary, but still require the funds to build a new home for more than 170 cats and dogs.
The animal sanctuary faced being “homeless” earlier this year.
The five-year lease on the Holm Hill property off the Old Gonubie Road was not renewed, forcing Pet Pals to find land on which to build a new sanctuary before the end of November this year.
Over the upcoming months, Pet Pals will arrange a number of fundraisers, enabling them to complete the move from the current Holm Hill location to the new plot near the Gonubie Farmer’s Hall.
The sanctuary, which is the only one of its kind in East London, has been in existence for the past five years and provides a safe and loving home for abandoned cats and dogs.
Pet Pals committee member Erika Roberts is running a build- a-thon until October 30, where she encourages members of the public to contribute to the building project with just R50.
“Your R50 will sponsor building materials like bricks and fencing and on October 30 you will go into a draw to win a variety of fantastic prizes,” Roberts said.
She hopes to receive sponsorship of prizes such as accommodation and event tickets for the draw.
In exchange, businesses will see their names on a sponsorship poster at the new venue.
Roberts also wants to involve schools to help raise funds and boost awareness.
Other fundraisers which will be announced in the upcoming weeks will also make an effort to raise the necessary money for the big move.
Pet Pals founder Sue Kriel said: “We need at least R500000 to complete the move and set up in the new location. We hope to relocate by the end of November.
“Time is running out so it is quite nerve-wracking. Just fencing costs R65000 without the poles. Everything adds up.”
She is confident the new premises will be a significant upgrade from the current location.
“The new venue offers people easy access and it takes about five minutes to travel from the Gonubie turn-off to our new home.
“It is a very well-structured and a permanent place, but it is going to be expensive to set up,” added Kriel.
To enter the build-a-thon competition, contact Erika on 076-044-8172 or EFT Pet Pals on:
Bank: First National Bank (RSA) 32 day account
Branch code: 260251 (Gonubie)
Account Number: 74560787862
Use ‘Build’ and your name as a reference and Roberts’s phone number under the SMS notification. WhatsApp or sms confirmation to Roberts following your deposit.
