TEARS Animal Rescue is appealing to Capetonians to support vulnerable pets this Mandela Day, when the annual global initiative honours the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela on 18 July. In celebration of Madiba’s positive legacy, TEARS is inviting individuals, companies, families, and groups of friends to join them in supporting Kennel and Cattery projects aimed at extending kindness and making a difference to rescue pets.

Mandela Day encourages people worldwide to dedicate 67 minutes of their time to give back and help those in need. TEARS, based in Sunnydale, Cape Town, calls upon corporates and individuals to participate in vital building and maintenance projects that will improve the environment and enhance the lives of the over 200 rescue pets in their care.

TEARS gift Mandela Day
TEARS gift Mandela Day

Havens of happiness

This invitation extends to the TEARS Mandela Day Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, the 15 and 16 July, and on Mandela Day on Tuesday, 18 July, 2023.

TEARS Kennel Manager Luke Kruyt says, “At TEARS, we’re no strangers to the power of unity. Each year, we witness a beautiful surge of volunteer support that empowers us to take on extraordinary projects that transform our shelters into havens of happiness where wagging tails and purring hearts find solace. We’re hoping companies, individuals, families, and friends will come together and spend an hour or two at TEARS for Mandela Day this year and help us complete enhancement projects at the shelter in honour of South Africa’s’ beloved icon Nelson Mandela.”

Companies that are unable to commit the time can still show their support by hosting a Casual Day charity day whereby staff dress-up in celebration of Madiba’s birthday, with all proceeds being donated to TEARS.

Embracing the spirit of giving, TEARS encourages its supporters to consider becoming volunteers or signing up for an R67 monthly debit order.

TEARS Animal Rescue Mandela Day

25 years rescuing animals

TEARS Operations Manager, Mandy Store highlights the impact a recurring gift can have on the life of a homeless pet. “As little as R67 provides life-saving vaccinations and deworming to one kitten or puppy per month. For the price of a small pizza, you can save one animal’s life every month,” she says.

TEARS, a public beneficiary organisation synonymous with ‘second chances’, will be celebrating 25 years of rescuing, treating, rehabilitating, and rehoming vulnerable pets next year. TEARS relies entirely on the support of its Trust and Foundation and Corporate partners, as well as individual donors and volunteers, to extend its impact and provide hope for homeless and abandoned pets.

Join them to make a difference in the lives of the rescue animals in their care. To pledge your support, visit tears.org.za/mandeladay.

What: TEARS Animal Rescue Mandela Day
When: Weekend of 15, 16 July, Mandela Day, 18 July
Where: Sunnydale Cape Town
WS