Kishugu Training and Working on Fire (WOF) recently donated a pile of old mattresses and pet food to the Nelspruit SPCA to help feed the nearly 160 animals in its care.

A team of WOF firefighters, currently busy with Advanced Firefighting Training at Kishugu Training Academy, assisted with the handover. The staff at the SPCA took the team on a tour of the facility and explained their procedures and how they are involved in preventing cruelty to animals. Afterwards the team got to play with Sasha, a lovable Boerboel, that had been abandoned when her owners moved to KwaZulu-Natal.

“Since we are a non-government funded, non-profit organisation, we are completely dependent on donations from the public,” explained Marcelle Hoffman, Inspector and Kennel Manager at the Nelspruit SPCA. “We are very grateful for this donation from Kishugu and WOF. It will help greatly with the approaching winter season.”

Celia Sutton, Trainee Inspector and Kennel Manager, said they are always in need of animal food, blankets, toys and volunteers to help with maintenance or just loving the animals until they get adopted. “We also lack certain equipment which will enable us to respond to any call. For example, a horse box would greatly improve our efficiency.”

Hoffman explained that the SPCA’s services are not only aimed at protecting animals, but also the local community. “Stray or neglected animals are prone to diseases like Canine distemper, Canine Parvovirus Infection in dogs and Rabies – to mention but a few. These infected animals cause a threat to the lives of innocent community members.”

“It is our company’s ethos to always act in the best interest of those around us for the greater good,” stated Willie Buchner, Divisional Director for Kishugu Training.

Monja Jacobs, a WOF employee, said, “Our donation was small, but it felt good to be able to help.”