Do it for The Dogs (DIFTD) is a non-profit organisation by Tracey Burke that raises money to support various animal welfare programmes that care for sick, starving and neglected dogs around the country.
This amazing initiative has humble roots; starting as a tuck shop that evolved into a pop-up home thrift store. Now, it’s a multi-faceted fundraising platform making big waves!
Tracey has always felt a strong vocation towards helping dogs in need. She saw that she could be most productive and valuable in her quest to help man’s best friend by fundraising on behalf of multiple animal welfare programmes — a unique approach that’s maximising results for the most dogs possible.
Tracey commends the honourable and tireless work that is being done daily by animal welfare establishments. These heroic individuals help set up sterilisation clinics and provide safe shelter to homeless and mistreated dogs, to name a few elements of the job. However, they just don’t have a second to spare on fundraising campaigns. That’s where DIFTD comes in!
Tracey began her fundraising endeavours by starting a tuck-shop and relying on donations through word-of-mouth. This is where the name of her organisation finds its origins. She would say to potential customers viewing her homemade treats, “Do it for the dogs!”.
When lockdown first hit, Tracey was forced to find more creative ways to fundraise, as donations had begun to taper and the tuck-shop was no longer allowed to operate. So, she decided to start an Instagram page geared towards selling second-hand clothing. Initially Tracey was selling her own clothing, until people started to find out about her initiative and donate some of their own pre-loved items.
Post-lockdown, Tracey was hosting pop-up thrifting events from her home.
These pop-ups became so popular that Tracy had to rent out larger spaces that were more public-friendly.
The thrift store now runs exclusively through DIFTD’s Instagram page and has a fully functional courier service. By shopping on DIFTD, you’re not only contributing to the wellbeing of a fury friend, but you’re also making a decision to shop sustainably (by means of ditching fast fashion). Now, that’s retail therapy!
DIFTD’s Instagram raises roughly R30 000 per month from selling donated, second hand clothing to the public. A whopping R21 000 of this goes to the dogs, while the remaining balance is put into making the next fundraiser happen. So, technically, 100% of all proceeds goes to the dogs!
Following the success of the online store came another diversification of the organisation: selling calendars and notebooks that feature creations made by 12 local artists.
Many of these artists donated their artworks to be used as covers or sold in order to raise funds. The calendar launch for 2022 was successful in raising R75 000 that was donated to animal welfare. Tracey is currently working on another launch for 2023.
So if you’re an animal lover, or if you want to support the idea of sustainable shopping, or both, grab yourself a pre-loved item and a groovy notebook that features some local talent. Do it for the dogs!
Find it all on Instagram: @doitforthedogsza
Contact Tracey at [email protected] for more information or to donate your clothing.
Also read:
WATCH: A peek into SUPERWOOF, Cape Town’s “6-star” dog hotel!
Picture: Unsplash