Central SA
Potchefstroom shelter appeals for festive season donations─── ZENANDE MPAME 14:19 Thu, 18 Dec 2025
As the festive season approaches, a Potchefstroom animal shelter is once again turning to the community for support.
Paws Haven is appealing to the community for donations of dog and cat food, treats, and blankets this festive season to help care for the animals in its care. These contributions are needed to guarantee that all animals have food, warmth, and comfort over the holiday season.
On Tuesday (16/12), volunteers and community members gathered at the shelter to decorate the kennels, bringing a sense of Christmas cheer to animals that will spend the season without families of their own. The shelter cares for more than 400 dogs and 300 cats.
“Our Christmas cheer event was such fun, and people were so happy to help us beautify and decorate the kennels,” said Paws Haven director Cecilia Marais.
“The cats got so much attention, and some of the free-roaming cats were playing with all of the decorations in the front. Thank you to the community for coming out and assisting, walking the dogs, and giving attention and treats.”
Despite the success of the event, Paws Haven’s needs remain pressing. Marais said the donations received will sustain the shelter for only about two weeks. “The shelter continues to receive dogs in extremely poor condition, including severely underweight animals.”
Community members helped decorate the kennels. Photo supplied
She noted that donations such as chicken and rice for these dogs have already made a visible difference.
Tips on how to help animals in shelters:
- Adopt a pet: always consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue group.
- Donate: donations may be used to help cover the costs of daily operations.
- Volunteer: You can help make life better for animals in your community by volunteering.
- Make wishes come true: Shelters and rescue groups always need towels, toys, and other supplies.
- Say thanks: Take a minute to express your gratitude to the people who work at your local shelter or rescue groups.
“To the community, we would love to see you again, and yes, put on your kakis and come take a walk with our animals,” said Marais.
• Have a news tip to share? Phone or WhatsApp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.
