Learners and partners pack 670+ parcels for Mandela Day initiative
Cape Town, 16 July 2026 — FOUR PAWS South Africa, in collaboration with Mdzananda Animal Clinic, has successfully delivered 67 Kennels of Hope along with essential care packages to dogs in Khayelitsha, exceeding expectations by distributing over 670 food parcels as part of its Mandela Day campaign.
The initiative, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service, mobilised individuals, communities and corporate partners across the country to support animals living in under-resourced communities. The campaign not only met its goal of providing 67 kennels but also surpassed its food donation target, ensuring even greater impact for pets and their caregivers.
A total of were packed by pupils from Micklefield Primary School, alongside FOUR PAWS Ambassador Carishma Basday and FOUR PAWS staff, reflecting a shared commitment across generations and sectors to make a meaningful difference. Each kennel provides vital protection from harsh weather conditions, while the care packages and food parcels help address ongoing challenges related to nutrition and animal welfare in vulnerable communities.
FOUR PAWS extends it sincere gratitude to Hill’s Pet Food, K9 Pet Foods and Montego Dog Food for generously sponsoring the food parcels. Their support helped ensure that hundreds of dogs and their families received nutritious food during a time of need, significantly expanding the campaign’s impact this year.
“This campaign is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when compassion turns into action,” said Fiona Miles, Director at FOUR PAWS South Africa. “Together with our supporters and partners, we have not only reached our goal but gone beyond it, delivering meaningful support for dogs who need it most. This is the spirit of Mandela Day brought to life.”
The handover event highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing the growing needs of companion animals in underserved areas. “We see the daily struggles faced by pet owners in our community and initiatives like this make a real, tangible difference,” said Marcelle du Plessis Fundraising and Communications Executive at Mdzananda Animal Clinic. “The kennels provide dignity and shelter, while the food parcels offer relief to families doing their best to care for their animals. We are incredibly grateful for this support; it will better lives.”
The success of the 67 Kennels of Hope campaign highlights the generosity of South Africans and the impact of collective action. By exceeding its donation targets, the campaign has extended its reach helping more animals and reinforcing the importance of sustained support for animal welfare organisations.
For more information, please visit our website at www.four-paws.org.za
