The much-anticipated ABSA Run Your City is all set to take place through the streets of Durban on Sunday, 10 July, and the dedicated team members of Durban and Coast SPCA is joining in on the fun.
The organisation has been involved with the event as one of their charity beneficiaries since its inception in 2017. The spokesperson of SPCA Durban, Tanya Fleischer said runners who sign up for the race have an added option of donating to a charity of their choice.
She said: “Our SPCA is one of five charities selected as a option. In addition we have a team of five runners, referred to as Team SPCA, who each have a goal of raising R5000 each through their network, friends and family for our organisation. Please consider sponsoring them for R10, R20 or R50 per kilometre. Get your friends to join in too, by challenging them to equal or better your donation!”
Kerry-Lee van Heerden, who is part of Team SPCA, said in participating in the run, her goal is to spread the word about the amazing souls that work for the animal shelter and to raise as much money as possible to support the great work they do.
She said: “It is an honour to support the incredible work that the SPCA does to protect animals from cruelty and neglect. Having seen the dedication that the Durban & Coast SPCA staff have shown to their furry charges during the lockdowns, riots and now the floods, I am thrilled to have an opportunity to raise funds for them. They have slept in the kennels, waded through water and gone above and beyond their mandate to protect the animals in their care. In comparison to this, running 10km will be a piece of cake.”
Angela Lardant, who has been a runner/walker for the last seven years, said her heart is full of paw prints. “I’m an avid animal lover, especially dogs (of any breed). At the moment I have 3 rescue dogs who are my everything. In 2020 I severally broke my ankle (operated and have permanent plates and pins). It’s been a long road back with many other bumps along the way but I will continue to keep finding my feet. Looking forward to this race and another chance to support the SPCA. I believe we can judge the heart of a person by their treatment of animals. Imagine if everyone had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog. It would be pawsome if you would support me to raise funds for our furry friends,” she said.
Nadine Leeuw started running four years ago and she is absouloutly besotted with her pug, which is why she started getting involved with animal charities. She said that she had never gotten to conquer the 10km under an hour challenge and is hoping to use the cause as a motivation.
“In my dreams I am a Gerda Steyn, but in reality I am addicted to my work, my husband and my gorgeous senior Puggie, Rado. My previous Jack Russell that sadly passed away, was adopted from the SPCA. I will forever be grateful to the SPCA for giving me my first love. I don’t know how I would have managed through the past 18 months without my precious animals. I know my people will open their wallets wide, if I can get a 59-minute on a 10km. I am going to run my heart out for the SPCA.”
This year will be Jenna van Greunen’s second run with Team SPCA. She has four rescue pets, three of which are adopted from the organisation.
“I started running five years ago when friends convinced me to join Park Run with them on a Saturday morning. We then saw an advert for a programme at the local running club, which would train you to get from 0 to 8 kms in 8 weeks. After completing that programme, the running bug had bitten and I have been running for Chiltern AC ever since. The work the SPCA does for these animals and the care they provide is phenomenal, and it’s time to give back to them. The Covid pandemic has affected so many people and animals. Many people are forced to surrender their animals, as they can no longer afford to feed them. So now, more than ever, the SPCA is under immense pressure. Please sponsor me to help support them.”
To support the runners in reaching their goal of raising R5000 each for the SPCA, visit ttps://spcadbn.org.za/runners.php.
