The vibrant Sea Point promenade will come alive with a chorus of barks and laughter as the seventh annual Paws on the Promenade unfolds on 13th April, reports Cape {town} Etc.
This beloved dog walk fundraiser, organised by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha and sponsored by Vondi’s Holistic Pet Nutrition, invites humans and their four-legged companions to take part in a delightful five-kilometre stroll starting at the iconic Mouille Point lighthouse.
The event kicks off at 8:30am, with a scenic route leading participants to the Sea Point swimming pool and back, while accommodating shorter turnaround points for older, tired, or injured pets or even humans.
Last year’s Paws on the Promenade saw an impressive turnout of 325 dogs, one cat, and 614 humans, generating a remarkable R45 786 on a modest budget of just R4 475.
Event organiser and Fundraising and Communications Executive Marcelle du Plessis hopes to surpass that achievement this year, emphasising the crucial role community participation plays in their fundraising efforts.
‘Our budget keeps growing year on year due to the demand for our services. It is essential for us to diversify our fundraising. Paws on the Promenade is a great fundraiser but also a magnificent fun-filled event for the whole family,’ Du Plessis stated.
Families can expect a display of canines in creative costumes, providing an entertainment spectacle unlike any other. ‘People get very creative, dressing themselves and their dogs up in costumes. Expect to see Dalmatians in tutus, Dachshunds in hot dog outfits, and Pomeranians sporting bow ties,’ Du Plessis adds.
The significance of this event is not just in its capacity to raise funds, but also in fostering a community spirit around animal welfare. The Mdzananda Animal Clinic serves the Khayelitsha township by providing vital veterinary services to around 1 500 animals monthly, including consultations, hospitalisation, surgeries and sterilisation initiatives.
Vondi’s Holistic Pet manager, Cindy Jacobson, has been part of this heartwarming initiative for seven years, framing it as one of their yearly highlights. ‘The route is one of the most scenic in Cape Town, making it a wonderful walk for dogs and owners alike.
‘We support Mdzananda because of their excellent professionalism and the impact they make in the Khayelitsha community, educating pet owners and treating sick pets that would otherwise have little to no help,’ she remarks.
Also read:
Picture: Marcelle du Plessis
