In partnership with '67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day', Woodrock Animal Rescue, Sandton SPCA and Absolute Pets, Hyde Park Corner is launching a campaign to raise awareness about animal welfare and inspire meaningful action. At its centre is a striking 3-metre-high dog installation, wrapped in a colourful scarf, says Hyde Park Corner.

Adoption Drive in Partnership with Woodrock Animal Rescue and Sandton SPCA

On a large screen, visitors will meet dozens of dogs currently cared for by Woodrock Animal Rescue, and each one is available for adoption. Shoppers can also contribute R67 to feed a shelter dog for a month, a small sum with a big outcome, adds the centre.

Hyde Park Corner is showing its support for the Sandton SPCA this Mandela Day by screening links showcasing dogs in need of homes. Members of the public can visit the shelter between 09:00 and 15:30, from Monday to Friday, or from 09:00 to 12:30 on Saturdays. The Sandton SPCA is located at 9th Street, Marlboro Gardens, Johannesburg, says the centre.

"We want to encourage people not just to support worthy charities but to make meaningful connections," says Sheree McHaffie, Marketing Manager at Hyde Park Corner. "We're asking people to stop, to look into the eyes of these animals and to recognise the life behind them. Whether you adopt, donate or simply spread the word, you are part of something real."

Designer Doggie Tents to Support Animal Rescue Shelters

Adding a creative touch to the activation, Hyde Park Corner says that it will display a unique range of doggie tents made using designer prints from SA Fashion Week designers:

  • Fundudzi by Craig Jacobs
  • Ape
  • House of Ole
  • Sober
  • Ezoketho
  • The Bam Collective
  • Desme Designs
  • Imprint
  • Renaissance
  • Isabelle de Villiers
  • Anissa Mpungwe Atelier, and
  • Rubicon.

Each tent is available for sale, with all proceeds going directly to animal rescue shelters, says the centre.

'Secret Scarves Shhh...' Campaign by '67 Blankets'

Running alongside the adoption drive is the 'Secret Scarves Shhh...' campaign by '67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day'. This national tradition turns hand-knitted scarves into gestures of kindness for those in need. From Wednesday 9 to Sunday 20 July, around 667 scarves created by the Morningside Mockingbird KnitWits® will be displayed throughout Centre Court. Each scarf carries the message, "I am not lost, if you are cold and need me, please take me. With love, from '67 Blankets'". The scarves also pay tribute to Gompo, the beloved Rhodesian Ridgeback who brought warmth and joy to Nelson Mandela's family during their time in Soweto. Of the 667 scarves, 300 scarves will be displayed in Hyde Park Corner's Centre Court for distribution to communities in need once the expo closes, while the remaining 367 scarves will be donated to the Inner City Project for people living in dire conditions in central Johannesburg by '67 Blankets' on Friday, 18 July, says the centre.

At 15:30 on Friday, 18 July, the KnitWits® and members of the public will head into the streets around Hyde Park Corner, including taxi ranks, bus stops and pavements, to hand scarves to those in need. "Everyone is welcome to help", says '67 Blankets' Founder Carolyn Steyn. "We do this stitch by stitch, scarf by scarf, hand to hand because that's how change happens."

Fundraising Campaign by Absolute Pets

Hyde Park Corner tenant Absolute Pets is also getting involved, running a Mandela Day fundraising campaign until Friday, 18 July. Customers can choose to add a donation of R10 or R67 to any purchase, in store or online. In return, they will receive stickers showing the value of their donation to place on the dedicated Mandela Day window display. For example, a R97 donation earns one R67 sticker and two R10 stickers. All funds raised will go towards purchasing food, which will then be equally distributed among five animal rescue organisations in Gauteng and surrounding provinces. In addition, Absolute Pets Hyde Park Corner will also contribute a further 67kg of pet food to the animal rescue centres, adds the centre.

Hyde Park Corner encourages the public to visit the Centre Court, support the various campaigns and reflect on what Mandela Day represents: dignity, kindness and action, concludes the centre.

Hyde Park Corner Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 09:00 to 18:00, and
  • Sundays and Public Holidays: 10:00 to 15:00.

For more information, visit www.hydeparkcorner.co.za. You can also follow Hyde Park Corner on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor