Running an animal charity is not an easy task. Some of the obstacles we are up against are:
- most people and businesses choose to donate to human causes;
- when they DO donate to animal causes, they tend to donate to big organisations rather than smaller grassroots organisations;
- grassroots organisations do not receive any government grants or support (unlike some of the bigger organisations people choose to donate to);
- being in competition with other grassroots organisations for resources due to a severe lack thereof;
- ever increasing cost of living means people have less or are less inclined to donate; and
- Covid dealt a financial blow to most South African citizens which they are still trying to recover from.
These are only a few we can mention.
In light of this, we want to encourage people to donate to our cause by making as many options available to help and to make it as easy as possible to render the assistance to us.
Here are some of the ways YOU can help us.
Food donations
We spend an estimated R11 300.00 per month on 1 000kg of dog food and R4 392.00 on 130kg of cat food per month. You can assist with food donations in the following ways:
Superspar Secunda (food):
Secunda Superspar has a trolley in which to put a bag of cat and/or dog food for us. All you have to do is drop the bag you bought in the trolley on your way out. We will collect. If you are so inclined, once you’ve done that, drop us a message on Whatsapp or FB and let us know as we would love to thank you for your kindness.
Biofos, Trichardt (food):
If you’re a Biofos customer, you’re already purchasing food for animals. Consider adding something extra in your trolley for Little Paws Big Hearts. Biofos collects your donation for us. Again, we would love to know who donated, so feel free to send us a message so that we could send you a virtual hug!
Solly’s (food):
Solly’s is another business which serves as a collection point for cat and dog food for Little Paws. When shopping at Solly’s, you can shop for Little Paws Big Hearts too! Just let us know when you’ve left a food donation as we will need to know when to collect. Plus it tells us who donated and we would love to sing your praises.
Montego Power:
Montego has us as a listed charity on their online shop. That means that should you wish to buy some cat or dog food to donate to us, the price will come with a 20% discount. This price comes in cheaper than if we had to buy cat or dog food ourselves. Simply follow the super easy steps after clicking on this link http://montegopower.store
Sasol For Good:
Sasol was generous and gracious enough to select us for their For Good social responsibility platform. By creating an account at https://www.forgood.co.za/causes/little-paws-big-hearts-secunda ; you can donate your pledge of food, animal items and medical items for our organisation. Once you’ve signed up, simply decide whether you want to pledge to one of the three categories. Your pledge is then sent through to us after which we will be in contact to make arrangements for collection.
Financial contributions
As with all animal NGOs, there is always a shortage of funds. Our monthly expenses are approximately R45 000.00. This amount includes buying food, sterilizations, vaccinations, dipping, dewormer, petrol and paying for tertiary veterinary care.
Monetary donations:
If you would like to help alleviate the financial pressure we face, you can do so by donating to:
Little Paws Big Hearts
FNB
Branch code 271444
Cheque account number 62520393547
Ref: Name + Surname
We issue tax certificates.
Evander Veterinary Clinic:
We can’t remember if our vet bill ever hit R0.00. That’s because there is ALWAYS an animal in need of veterinary attention – whether it is to treat a wound or an illness or whether it is a sterilization. If you don’t feel like leaving home yet you would like to help, we will never say no thank you should you wish to help us reach that illusive R0.00 goal by donating directly to our veterinary account:
Evander Dierekliniek Inc
Standard Bank Secunda Branch Code053444
Cheque account number 081404719
Ref: Little Paws
Like with all the above mentioned food donation options, send us your proof of payment of your donation so we can personally tell you how amazing you are.
Other
There are other ways you can help us too if you can’t afford to donate either food or make a financial contribution.
Metal Collection:
This is one of the easiest ways one could possibly help Little Paws Big Hearts! If you have any old scrap metal or old cans/tins, keep it for us and we will come and collect. All we ask of you is that you make sure than the cans/tins are clean and that you have a fair amount to make the drive out to you worth our while.
Charity Shop:
Yes, we have a charity shop with some unique gently loved items. The upside to this is that it is environmentally friendly (recycle, reuse, upcycle!), cheap (-er than buying something new) and all items are most likely “one of a kind”. If you’re not in to second hand shopping – which is all the rage these days -, then consider donating unwanted gently loved items for us to sell. All proceeds will go towards helping animals in the areas we serve. Visit our charity chop at Mangoliso Arts And Crafts located at 4 Schalk Burger Street, Secunda. We are open from Monday to Friday 09H00 to 17H30 and Saturdays 09H00 to 14H00.
Volunteering
Last but not least, volunteer with us. It gives you a hands on experience working with animals, a tangible way of making a difference and a unique opportunity in understanding and appreciating your own blessings. Here are a few reasons of the benefits of volunteering:
– volunteering increases self-confidence;
– it gives you a sense of pride and identity;
– you stand to gain valuable knowledge and experience;
– you make connections with others and forge new friendships;
– it’s good for mental and physical health;
– you get to do something totally cool and out of your comfort zone;
– it gives you a sense of purpose, it goes a long way in forgetting your own problems,
– the more we give, the happier we feel;
– it is oodles of fun it increases brain functioning;
– decreases stress & it literally changes lives
If you have any ideas on how to help Little Paws Big Hearts or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on contact@littlepaws.org.za . We always, always love to hear from you!