Tears calls for fleece blanket donations

Tears Animal Rescue is urgently appealing to the public for donations of fleece blankets or fleece fabric after last week’s heavy rains flooded its kennels and offices in Sunnydale.

The shelter, located on Lekkerwater Road, was badly affected when the drainage infrastructure gave way under the deluge of water. 

Spokesperson Tinka Shapiro said swift action from the community helped avoid disaster, but the organisation is now in desperate need of warm, dry bedding for the animals.

“Our priority is always to care for our animals, and thanks to our community, we managed to do that,” she said. “But we urgently need resources like fleece blankets or fleece fabric to keep them warm.”

Tears also expressed deep gratitude to NSRI teams from Simon’s Town, Hout Bay, and Kommetjie, who responded and pumped water out of the flooded kennels.

“They made all the difference and we cannot thank them enough,” said Ms Shapiro.

The organisation is now raising funds to connect to the municipal sewer line to prevent future flooding. The estimated cost of the upgrade is R300 000.

In the meantime, Tears is asking the public to donate fleece blankets, which are especially suitable for animals because they are warm, dry quickly, and provide comfort even when damp.

“This was more than just a rainy day – it was a crisis for our animals, staff, and shelter,” said Ms Shapiro. “We are doing everything we can to keep the animals warm and comfortable, but we need your help. Please consider donating.”

Donations of fleece blankets or fleece fabric can be delivered to Tears Animal Rescue, 4 Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale.