SPCA celebrates International Animal Week – 4 to 10 October 2009

International Animal Week which starts on Sunday 4 October (World Animal Day) and continues to 10 October is a celebration of animal life in all its forms and acknowledges the diverse roles that animals play in our lives – from being our companions supporting and helping us to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA South Africa’s oldest and largest SPCA has initiated a number of activities and events both during and after this week aimed at raising awareness of the many ways in which animals enrich our lives. Join the SPCA in promoting kindness compassion and respect for all animals by
supporting one or more of the following activities:

• SPCA Kms for Canines is a 75km non-stop walk from Cape Point to Table Mountain being undertaken by Binny Ridgway and her SPCA adopted dog Judy starting on Saturday 3 October at 9am. Binny and Judy will be joined by SPCA Mutt of the Year ’09 Shenzi and his owner Lindy Croxford and nine other fit and able walkers as well as two Table Mountain National Park rangers who will ensure their safety throughout their endurance walk. You can encourage the group from 12pm as they exit Cape Point National Park and walk past Smitswinkel to Kalk Bay. They are expected to finish the walk at 1pm on Sunday 4 October at the Wash House in Oranjezicht. To contribute visit the Ridgway Ramblers page at www.doit4charity.co.za .
  
• The annual Animal Blessing Service at 4pm on Sunday 4 October in Company Gardens Cape Town has been organised by St George’s Cathedral in association with the SPCA and TEARS. All are welcome and encouraged to attend with their pets. Enter through the first entrance to the Gardens off Government Avenue and proceed along Lovers’ Lane to the large green lawn just opposite The Fernery near the Restaurant and the statue of Cecil John Rhodes.
  
• Visit the SPCA stand at the Cape Outdoor Expo Travel & Adventure Expo Bien Donne off the R45 Franschhoek Environ. The expo runs from Friday 2 – Sunday 4 October and the SPCA has a fantastic new range of t-shirts on offer.
  
• Civvies for SPCA has been adopted by selected schools in Cape Town and to date over R13 000 has been raised by learners who have purchased SPCA ribbons to wear in recognition of International Animal Week. Hundreds of learners will acknowledge their love of animals by wearing an SPCA ribbon during the first week of Term 4.
  

[Posted: 2 October 2009]