The Century 21 Boot Sale in aid of Buckaroo Sterilisation Drive
The dynamic, energetic and enthusiastic animal loving staff of Century 21 East London are the first corporate team to sign-up for the ‘Marlene Neumann Buckaroo Corporate Team Building – Making a Difference initiative’, and boy are they making a difference.
This unique, one of a kind team building challenge has had the dynamic Century 21 Team abuzz with activity and it all culminates with their boot sale which will be held this Saturday at the Century 21 offices in Vincent Road. There will be boerie rolls, cup cakes,and shopping galore so make sure that you pop in and buy some great goodies for a very worthwhile cause.
Designed by local artist, animal lover and activist Marlene Neumann, ‘The Corporate Team Building – Making a Difference’ challenge is designed to support township animals and their caring animal owners with sterilisation, shelter, medical supplies, dipping as well as general health and welfare. This holistic program helps educate and support these loving pet owners who have plenty of love to give their animals, but not the means to take care of them financially.
The Challenge
Century 21 East London has taken up the challenge to not only meet but exceed these goals and this is how they are doing:
1. Contribute an amount of R12 000
Every initiative tackling huge needs and issues such as these, needs money. The Century 21 Team have put out the call and have received fantastic donations from members of the public as well as fantastic donations from animal lovers within the industry such as Ooba. The Century 21 Team were tasked with raising R12 000, and while they have already raised some money, they hope to not only make this target but exceed it this weekend at their boot sale. With stunning goodies such as the latest DVD’s (many still unopened), clothing, crockery, fashion, handbags, decor items… and of course boerie rolls and cupcakes… it is going to be an Aladdin’s Cave – so don’t miss out?
2. Pay for 3 females to be sterilised at a cost of R2 700
The key to the Buckaroo program is sterilisation. The statistics show that one female dog has the capacity over her lifespan and the lifespan of her offspring, to breed as many as 10 000 puppies in her eight year lifespan. Clearly unsustainable, sterilisation not only stops this proliferation of unwanted animals, but improves the quality of life of the animal being spayed. It also puts less financial stress on the animal’s owners.
3. Contribute 3 kennels (new or used) or contribute R1 500 in lieu
For financial reasons, most of the township animals do not have proper shelter and have to sleep outside, even in winter and when it rains. The team were tasked with raising 3 kennels… but clearly Marlene has underestimated these ‘real estate’ stars who believe that everything should have a home. Subsequently they have managed to raise 3 times that many – ensuring that there will be 3 times as many furry recipients of Century 21 prime doggie real estate!
4. Collect 450kg of dog food
Many of the caring township owners are either unemployed or underemployed and finding the means to feed their pets is an ongoing struggle. The Century 21 Team were tasked with raising 450kg of dry dog food to help these pet owners. Always up for a challenge, the Century 21 staff split into two teams covering the front and side entrances to Spargs, where they asked the public to contribute a tin or bag of food to this worthwhile cause.
Mario Raffa and Margie Dillan (Owner Principals) and their staff were were blown away by the incredible goodwill of the East London public. In just 2 hours, they managed to raise 530kg’s of dry dog food and 121 tins of dog food. In addition, the members of the public were also willing to donate cash to the cause. It took a big bakkie to transport all the proceeds back to the office – luckily Ruan had one on hand.
5. Collect pet Medical Supplies & pet accessories
When visiting the township, the Buckaroo initiative takes time to look at the dog’s health, treat minor wounds and train the owners on how to care for their dogs. The Century 21 Team were tasked with collecting medical supplies such as flea powder, vaseline (for the dogs eyes), sulphur etc so that the Buckaroo Team can do this work. The Century 21 staff have contributed and urge everyone who has any of these products which they may no longer need, to bring them to the market on Saturday morning.
As with the dog food, the pet owners do not have the means to provide food bowls, blankets and collars for their dogs. They also do not have the means to fence off their gardens to prevent their pets from getting out, or unwanted dogs from coming in. The Century 21 staff have been tasked with finding new/used food bowls, collars, blankets – to help better the quality of life for these animals. The public are also urged to bring any of these items you may wish to contribute to the market on Saturday.
6. Sign up 5 people to become Friends of Buckaroo
For this program to succeed, it is important to ensure that there are funds to do this important work. The Century 21 Team were tasked with signing up 5 ‘Friends of Buckaroo’. To become a friend, a business or individual must agree to donate monthly to the cause for a minimum of 1 year. The donation amount is entirely up to the individual and is based on whatever the individual is willing to contribute. Just so that you know…. ShowMe East London has signed up! If you have not, why not forgo a meal out or even a cappuccino each month and join us in becoming Friends of Buckaroo. You can sign-up with Marlene herself on Saturday.
7. The Township Experience
And when all is said and done, the Century 21 Team will join Marlene and her team in the township, where they will be broken up into crews:
- The Kennel Crew will deliver the kennels to the home owners homes.
- The Dipping Crew will dip the dogs brought by the owners.
- The Feed/Water Crew will hand out the food & water to the pet owners.
- The Deworm/De-flea Crew will deworm and de-flea the dogs brought by their owners.
- The Wounds Crew will check the dogs for minor wounds and treat them.
- The Information flyer crew will hand out flyers with pet care information on them.
This is clearly a very worthy cause and we are very happy to have someone like Marlene Neumann to raise awareness and actively make a difference in the lives of these dogs and their owners. It is no surprise that she approached the Century 21 team and that they jumped at the challenge. Both parties are dynamic, driven, are organised and love a challenge.
What is even more evident is that they are all united in their compassion and love for all animals – especially ‘man, woman and child’s best friend’.
If you love dogs… see you Saturday!
Article: Sandy Loppnow