Representing the organisation's flagship fundraiser, the event has become a highlight on TEARS's event calendar as it invites animal lovers of all ages to dedicate one night to cuddling a rescue pet while raising much-needed awareness and funds for the charity.

In 2023, three Sleepathon events will be hosted on Saturday, 11 November, Saturday, 18 November and Saturday, 25 November. 

According to the organisation, tickets cost R250 per person, and every registered "Snoozer" will be provided with a Welcome Pack that enables them to kick-start their own 'Back-A-Snoozer' funding campaign. There will also be some great incentives for those who raise R3 000 or more for completing their Sleepathon challenge.

The organisation adds that annual income from the TEARS Sleepathon is critical to funding the organisation's mobile clinic and veterinary outreach services, which support vulnerable pets and pet owners living in under-served communities over the busy December and January holidays.

TEARS Kennel manager Luke Kruyt says, "While the TEARS Sleepathon has become an iconic brand building and fundraising lifeline for the organisation, it's also a life-changing experience for our rescue pets as some have been fortunate enough to be adopted as a direct result of the Sleepathon."

According to the event, the Sleepathon was supported by 206 "Sleepathoners" in 2022, whose combined efforts raised over R380 000.00 for TEARS. Tickets can be bought via the TEARS Online Shop, with 100 tickets available per event evening.

Individuals, friends, and corporate teams are encouraged to sign up to create momentum and increase the overall pledges pool from 2022.

"We're grateful for the loyalty of our regular supporters but would like to challenge Capetonians who haven't ever considered a sleepover in support of rescue pets to sign up for this unique experience that is especially fun for families. The event provides a friendly, loving and heartwarming environment, with 'pawsome' partners, prizes, delicious food and entertainment," adds Kruyt.

"Snoozers will be required to check-in at the Shelter at 17:00 for an evening of face-licking hospitality and a delicious plant-based dinner. Everyone is encouraged to bring sleeping bags and camping gear, as well as snacks and treats, to make their sleepover as memorable as possible. The Sleepathon is only officially over at 07:00 the next morning," the event says.

Local businesses and lifestyle brands wanting to engage with an audience of animal lovers while supporting a good cause can take up exclusive sponsor / partner packages that provide a variety of association rights and exposure benefits. They can contact sleepathon@tears.org.za or visit www.tears.org.za/sleepathon.

TEARS says that its mission is to rescue, treat, rehabilitate and rehome vulnerable companion animals in need. It is a pro-life, public beneficiary organisation with:
  • a veterinary hospital
  • two mobile clinics, and
  • a cattery and kennel that houses up to 230 rescued companion animals.

TEARS adds that it relies on the support of caring individuals and corporations to provide free:
  • sterilisation
  • vaccination, and
  • primary healthcare to at-risk and homeless pets in the Southern Peninsula.

The organisation concludes that its TEARS 2023 Sleepathon is taking place at the TEARS Animal Rescue Kennels (4 Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale, Cape Town, 7975) and the TEARS Cattery (Wenga Farm, 21 Kommetjie Road, Sunnydale, Cape Town, 7975).

Individuals are encouraged to buy their tickets for the event here. 

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