According to the organisation, Mandela Day encourages people worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to give back and help those in need.

TEARS, based in Sunnydale, Cape Town, has called upon corporates and individuals to participate in vital building and maintenance projects that will improve the environment and enhance the lives of the over 200 rescue pets in their care.

This invitation extends to the TEARS Mandela Day Weekend on Saturday, 15 July and Sunday, 16 Juy, as well as including Mandela Day on Tuesday, 18 July.

TEARS kennel manager Luke Kruyt says, "At TEARS, we're no strangers to the power of unity. Each year, we witness a beautiful surge of volunteer support that empowers us to take on extraordinary projects that transform our shelters into havens of happiness where wagging tails and purring hearts find solace."

"We're hoping companies, individuals, families and friends will come together and spend an hour or two at TEARS for Mandela Day in 2023 and help us complete enhancement projects at the shelter in honour of South Africa's beloved icon Nelson Mandela," adds Kruyt.

Companies that are unable to commit the time can still show their support by hosting a Casual Day charity day whereby staff dress up in celebration of Madiba's birthday, with all proceeds being donated to TEARS.

Embracing the spirit of giving, TEARS has encouraged its supporters to consider becoming volunteers or signing up for an R67 monthly debit order.

TEARS operations manager, Mandy Store highlights the impact a recurring gift can have on the life of a homeless pet. "As little as R67 provides life-saving vaccinations and deworming to one kitten or puppy per month. For the price of a small pizza, you can save one animal's life every month," she says.

TEARS is a public beneficiary organisation (PBO) synonymous with 'second chances'. It will be celebrating 25 years of rescuing, treating, rehabilitating and rehoming vulnerable pets in 2023.

TEARS concludes that it relies entirely on the support of its Trust and Foundation and Corporate partners, as well as individual donors and volunteers, to extend its impact and provide hope for homeless and abandoned pets.

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