Build a kennel for a cold township pet this Mandela Day

After a three-year break, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic kennel building event is back by pawpular demand. On the 18th of July, International Mandela day calls people across the world to take 67 minutes out of their day to make the world a better place.

This year, the Clinic in Khayelitsha will be hosting its seventh kennel building event in honour of Mandela Day. To cater for both the public and work groups, two events will be hosted. A public kennel building day will take place on Saturday the 20th of July and a corporate kennel building day on Thursday the 18th of July.

“Winter can be very cold in Cape Town with icy temperatures, heavy rains and gale force winds. In the Khayelitsha township only a small percentage of pets have shelter or are allowed to sleep indoors. Many pets sleep outside without blankets or kennels,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising, Communications and Programmes Executive. “People from the public often want to assist but don’t know how. These events allow people to come together for a fun-filled event to building a warm kennel for a cold township dog in need.”

Both events will take place from form 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, 21297 Govan Mbeki Road, Mandela Park, Khayelitsha. You can arrive any time between opening hours but ensure to give yourself enough time to build.

“In previous years some teams built their kennels in 67 minutes flat, others took much longer. It all depends on the speed of your team. If you are not able to complete a kennel we will complete it for you,” says du Plessis. 

At their last event in 2019, thirty-five kennels were constructed. These kennels were made from donated, dismantled wooden pallets. Completed kennels were handed out to community pets in need of shelter.

Wood and instruction manuals of how to build a kennel will be provided. Participants need to bring a measuring tape, pencil, hammer and paint brush per person. If participants wish to bring any extra nails, varnish, paint, hand saws or anything to make their kennel pretty it will be welcomed, but is not essential.

The cost to participate is donation based and space is limited to 100 people per event. Booking is essential. Tickets for the public event can be bought on Quicket at www.qkt.io/kennelbuild2024 and bookings for the corporate event can be made by emailing marcelle@mdzananda.co.za

“We hope to raise R67 000 for Mandela Day and, even if you can’t join us at the event, any donations would be greatly appreciated,” says du Plessis. “All funds will go directly to caring for the sick, injured and homeless pets in Khayelitsha and close surrounding communities. We are the only access to medical care and shelter in the community.”

For more information visit www.mdzananda.co.za. Donations can be made at Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Standard Bank, Account number: 075595710, Branch: Rondebosch, Branch Code: 025009, Savings account, Reference: Mandela +Your Name.