Mandela Day with ARO: Small Gestures, Big Impact for Animals and Their Families

 

Mandela Day: Animal Rescue Organization (ARO) Mobilizes for Animals and Their Communities

As Mandela Day approaches, the Animal Rescue Organization (ARO) is preparing for a major solidarity operation, staying true to its mission for nearly 40 years: helping animals and their most vulnerable owners. We spoke with Lindsay, a dedicated member of the organization, to get a behind the scenes look at this initiative and learn how everyone can get involved.

A Legacy of Solidarity Since 1986

Founded in 1986 by a passionate group of volunteers, ARO began with humble means, funding its first actions through the sale of donated second-hand goods. Today, this strategy continues through two charity shops and various markets, which provide nearly a fifth of the organization’s annual budget. ARO also runs an animal hospital based in Cape Flats and operates two mobile clinics that travel to neighborhoods to provide care and advice to animals whose owners cannot travel.

Mandela Day: 67 Minutes to Make a Difference

On July 18th, for Mandela Day, ARO invites everyone to dedicate 67 minutes of their time one minute for each year Nelson Mandela fought for social justice to a solidarity action. “Even though everyone is busy, it’s important to take this time to focus on the needs of people and animals in our country,” Lindsay explains. Businesses, individuals, students everyone is welcome to help prepare “pet bags,” which are filled with essentials for animals and their families.

What’s in the “Pet Bags”?

Each bag is thoughtfully assembled to meet the real needs of recipients:

• - Dog or cat food (kibble, tins)

• - A warm blanket, essential for Cape Town’s winter

• - A leash and collar for dogs, often missing in the families ARO helps

• - A cat toy

• - A knitted item (scarf or beanie) for the owner, to provide warmth and comfort

• - A treat for the animal

ARO calls on everyone’s generosity: donations of food, blankets, or even knitting at home for those who can’t attend on the day. The goal: to collect 670 scarves and beanies to distribute.

Targeted Action in Priority Neighborhoods

ARO’s mobile clinics operate in areas like James Seabird, Funlani, and Egoly neighborhoods close to the hospital but difficult to access for many residents, who are often elderly or lack transport. “Many love their animals but can’t get to us,” Lindsay notes. The organization provides sterilization, vaccination, basic care, and vital education on animal health to combat overpopulation and prevent disease.

A New Mobile Clinic Project in 2024

With growing demand, ARO is launching a campaign to fund a third mobile clinic. Converting a vehicle into a mobile veterinary clinic costs around one million rand, not including annual running costs (fuel, salaries, equipment). But the stakes are high: “The only way to fight overpopulation and animal cruelty is to continue sterilization and education,” Lindsay emphasizes.

How to Get Involved

• Book your free spot for Mandela Day on Quiddit (search “Pack That Pet Bag”)

• Donate to support the pet bags or the new mobile clinic, via Quiddit or directly on the ARO website

• Join the collection or knit scarves and beanies at home, even if you can’t attend in person

A Message to Animal Lovers

“Mandela Day is a unique moment to come together for a cause we care about. For all animal lovers, there are countless ways to get involved, even from a distance. Don’t hesitate to contact us, we’d love to share this day with you!” Lindsay concludes.

By giving a bit of your time or resources, you help provide warmth, care, and hope to those who need it most both people and animals. Join ARO’s solidarity movement this Mandela Day!

For more info, visit animalrescue.org.za

Writing by Laure