Every year, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA spends close to R2 million just on fuel for its inspectors’ vehicles so that they can respond to animals in need of rescue.
On Sunday, 12 March, 45 cyclists participated in the Cape Town Cycle Tour to raise funds for #Race2Rescue, a fundraising initiative that keeps SPCA inspectors on the road.
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The team persevered through the 109-kilometre route, and by making every pedal push count for animals, they raised over R175 000 to keep the SPCA inspectors on the road.
“We can’t thank them enough,” said the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s CEO Moyo Ndukwana. “Imagine if the SPCA was unable to respond to reports of animal cruelty because we had no fuel in our vehicles. We are honoured to have the support of these animal-loving cyclists who were moved to act to ensure that never happens”.
There’s no denying that the route was difficult and that these cyclists experienced numerous physical discomforts during their race, but Team SPCA Cyclist Shivani Ghai said, “My physical discomfort during the race was nothing compared to the suffering experienced by animals awaiting rescue from conditions of neglect or abject cruelty, and that’s what kept me going.”
The SPCA’s dedicated inspectors may not have been riding a bicycle on 12 March, but it appears that they have more in common with the cyclists than they thought.
“Animal rescue isn’t easy on animal-loving hearts,” said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse. “It’s painful to witness the cruelty we see on a daily basis, and we can’t help but feel inspired to keep pushing through that pain just like our Team SPCA cyclists until we realise a world where all animals are treated with kindness and compassion.”
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA thanked Team SPCA cyclists:
“You leave us with so much more than R175 000 in the bank; you leave us inspired!” “It’s because of you that we are able to continue our important work, and because of you, we will never give up.”
The message of thanks continued:
“Thank you for fighting cruelty alongside us; you’ve made a very real difference in the lives of animals, and we are so grateful for your unwavering commitment to our cause. On behalf of our entire team of Cape of Good Hope SPCA Inspectors, please accept our heartfelt gratitude. We hope we’ll see you again next year.”
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Le Court and Jooste cycle to victory at the 2023 Cape Town Cycle Tour
Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
