Written by Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Manager of Mdzananda Animal Clinic
Professional photography by Natali Varney-Schutte Photography
It was a sunny Sunday on Sea Point Promenade, and the pitter-patter of hundreds of paws and barking of happy dogs filled the air. Dog lovers and their canine friends gathered for a fun walk to support township animals in need.
Paws on the Promenade
Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Khayelitsha, hosted its fifth annual Paws on the Promenade dog walk fundraiser in partnership with Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition on the 15th of March 2020. Despite cancellations and reduced attendance due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the strong Sea Point wind, 333 people and 220 dogs joined.
The morning’s 5km walk started at the Mouille Point lighthouse and extended to the Sea Point swimming pool and back.
An excellent turnout
“What a marvellous turnout,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Manager of Mdzananda Animal Clinic and event organiser. “The attendance was much higher than I expected. Leading up to the event I was extremely nervous, as our ticket sales had dropped by 50% in comparison to the 2019 event. I was expecting a decrease in numbers due to corona virus, but I wasn’t expecting such a plummet. However, my fears were wiped away as dogs and their owners flocked to the promenade that morning to join us for the event.”
On a budget of just R2,620 and enormous support from Vondi's Holistic Pet Nutrition, the event raised a profit of R37,000 for Mdzananda Animal Clinic.
“Walking the most beautiful promenade with animal lovers to support our partner, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, makes me a very proud business owner,” says Paul Jacobson, owner of Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition.
Check out the Paws on the Promenade 2020 video footage on YouTube at “Paws on the Promenade 2020 – Vondi’s Tv”
About Mdzananda Animal Clinic
Mdzananda Animal Clinic treats up to 700 sick and injured pets from Khayelitsha per month. Without their services, it would be hard for community pets to receive help, as private vets are costly and transport is limited.
Mdzananda has a strong focus on community education and empowerment while providing low-cost healthcare (below their cost recovery price). Find out more about this incredible NPO here: https://www.happytailsmagazine.co.za/news-articles/mdzananda-animal-clinic/ and follow them on Facebook: @MdzanandaAnimalClinic.
