Pet food collection beats world record by three tons
A group of seven animal lovers managed to break the world record for the most food collected in one week.
An amazing 18.5 tons of pet food was donated on their behalf to the SPCA during the week of October 29 to November 4, exceeding the current world record of 15.5 tons.
With the assistance of many wonderful individuals and a few companies, the group managed to break the record by three tons.
All of this is subject to a decision by Guinness World Records however, as the group still needs to submit all evidence.
The aim of the challenge was to get donations for the SPCA, but also to create awareness around the society: what they stand for, what they do and what they need.
All donations were collected from the various drop-off points (Boksburg SPCA, together with Centurion SPCA, Waltloo SPCA, Sandton SPCA and several veterinary clinics) and brought to Waltloo SPCA, on November 5.
The food was stored, weighed and distributed from there.
The pet food was split among various SPCAs and some other pet rescue welfare organisations: Waltloo SPCA, Lephalale SPCA, Midrand SPCA, Centurion SPCA, Sandton SPCA, Boksburg SPCA, Wetnose, Wollies and Dogtown.
The group thanks the following:
• Container Agents for sponsoring a free container to store the food in.
• Richter Scales for sponsoring a calibrated scale to weigh all the food on.
• Newlands Trailer Hire for giving a 50 per cent discount on trailer hire, to pick up donated food from Alberton and to distribute food to Sandton SPCA.
• RSC (Reinforcing Steel Contractors) for sponsoring a forklift and operator, to assist in unloading the 10 tons of pet food the group bought from RCL Foods.
• RCL Foods for giving a very good price on Bobtail pet food – and also organising for it to be delivered free of charge.
• Hills South Africa for donating over 600kgs of pet food towards this initiative.
• Royal Canine for donating 1.4 tons of pet food.
• The following companies who made large contributions: NW Bulk Carriers, KWS Carriers, Absa Card CSI and Absa Card Business, PTSI (Powertech System Integrators) for running an internal competition and raising almost 2.2 tons of food, plus Norton Lambrianos SA Inc.
• GrootFM, Jacaranda FM, Impact Radio, HotFM and PretoriaFM, TuksFM, 5FM and AnimalTalk Magazine, for assisting in advertising this campaign.
• Brooklyn Veterinary Clinic, Waterkloof Veterinary Clinic, Valley Farm Animal Hospital, Peachtree Veterinary Clinic, Hoogland Dierekliniek and Talisman Hire Silverton, for all their efforts, support and contributions.
• To all the many individuals who made a contribution, no matter how big or small.
• Natasha (SPCA volunteer), who organised almost all the transport for the distribution of this massive amount of food.
• Korky and Michelle from SPCA Waltloo, for being on standby all the time and assisting with all the group’s many questions – and all other employees and SPCA Waltloo, for helping and being patient with them in their space.
“A very big thank you to everyone who made this possible and helped the SPCA to feed our furry friends during the festive season,” said Alex Visser.
“And lastly, (thank you to) the wonderful team who managed to organise and pull this all off; it was hard work, but well worth it.”
