"Thanks to the fast action and support of our community, we were able to prevent a disaster. Our priority is always to take care for our animals and we managed to do that. However, we are now desperately in need of resources like fleece blankets or fleece fabric to keep them warm," says TEARS spokesperson, Tinka Shapiro.

"We are so grateful to the NSRI teams from Simon's Town, Hout Bay and Kommetjie who stepped in to pump the flood water out of the kennels. They made all the difference and we cannot thank them enough. Our drainage system failed and we are now raising money to connect to the municipal sewer line to prevent future disasters. The cost of this is estimated to be R300 000," she says.

"However, we are also calling on the public to please donate fleece blankets or fabric to help us keep our animals comfortable and warm or to donate money to help us buy these essential blankets," adds Shapiro.

Fleece blankets are important to animal welfare as they can keep animals warm when wet. They are most effective in such weather conditions as they dry rapidly, says the organisation.

"This was not just a rainy day, it was a crisis for our animals, staff and shelter. Caring for our animals is always our main focus and we are doing everything we can to keep them warm. Donations of fleece blankets or fabric will really help us to achieve this," says Shapiro.

Fleece blankets or fabric can be donated to TEARS Animal Rescue at 4 Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale, says the organisation.

EFT donations can also be made via the TEARS bank account:

  • Bank: Standard Bank
  • Branch: Blue Route Mall, Tokai
  • Branch Code: 051001
  • Account Name: TEARS
  • Account Number: 072 062 886
  • Account Type: CURRENT

Financial donations to TEARS are tax-deductible, with donors receiving a Section 18A tax certificate.

For more information, visit www.tears.org.za. You can also follow TEARS on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor