Two events will be hosted to cater to both the public and work groups. A public kennel-building day will take place on Saturday, 20 July and a corporate kennel-building day on Thursday, 18 July. 

"Winter can be very cold in Cape Town with icy temperatures, heavy rains and gale-force winds. In the Khayelitsha township, only a small percentage of pets have shelter or are allowed to sleep indoors. Many pets sleep outside without blankets or kennels," says Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising, communications and programmes executive at the clinic.

"People from the public often want to assist but don't know how. These events allow people to come together for a fun-filled event to build a warm kennel for a cold township dog in need," adds du Plessis.

According to the clinic, both events will take place from 9:00 to 14:00 at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, 21297 Govan Mbeki Road, Mandela Park, Khayelitsha. Participants can arrive at any time between opening hours but ensure to give themselves enough time to build.

"In previous years, some teams built their kennels in 67 minutes flat; others took much longer. It all depends on the speed of your team. If you are not able to complete a kennel, we will complete it for you," says du Plessis.

At their last event in 2019, 35 kennels were constructed. These kennels were made from donated, dismantled wooden pallets. Completed kennels were handed out to community pets in need of shelter.

Wood and instruction manuals of how to build a kennel will be provided. Participants need to bring a measuring tape, pencil, hammer and paint brush per person. If participants wish to bring any extra nails, varnish, paint, hand saws or anything to make their kennel pretty, it will be welcomed, but is not essential, says the clinic.

According to the clinic, the cost to participate is donation-based and space is limited to 100 people per event. Booking is essential. Tickets for the public event can be bought on Quicket and bookings for the corporate event can be made by emailing marcelle@mdzananda.co.za.

"We hope to raise R67 000 for Mandela Day and, even if you can't join us at the event, any donations would be greatly appreciated," concludes du Plessis. "All funds will go directly to caring for the sick, injured and homeless pets in Khayelitsha and close surrounding communities. We are the only access to medical care and shelter in the community."

Donations can be made at Mdzananda Animal Clinic via the following:

  • Standard Bank Account number: 075595710
  • Branch: Rondebosch
  • Branch Code: 025009
  • Savings account, and
  • Reference: Mandela + your name.

For more information, visit www.mdzananda.co.za. You can also follow the Mdzananda Animal Clinic on Facebook, Instagram, or on TikTok.

*Image courtesy of Facebook