A community vaccination drive was held at Kingfisher Park to promote pet health and bolster the efforts of Dogs Trust, an animal rescue organization. Dog owners brought their pets to ensure they receive necessary vaccinations.
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Sarah Welton-Blake, founder of Community Hours, organized the initiative, which takes place twice a year. She emphasized that the event fosters responsible pet ownership and contributes to safer neighborhoods. "We believe that safe puppies create a safe environment," she stated.
The drive was in partnership with Dogs Trust, which focuses on the welfare of dogs in Diepsloot by offering sterilization services and caring for abandoned animals. Funds raised during the event help sustain Dogs Trust’s community efforts.
“It’s a really nice collaboration, and it’s about community building,” Welton-Blake noted. The event primarily focused on vaccinations, though other activities, such as sampling different dog food products, are featured in subsequent events.
By 11:00, nearly 100 people had attended the vaccination drive, indicating a successful turnout. Welton-Blake expressed hope to match or surpass the previous total of R35,000 raised at a prior vaccination event, although she emphasized that the primary goal was to vaccinate as many animals as possible.
"The target is to get as many dogs and cats vaccinated as possible," she explained, adding that the funds raised facilitate the ongoing work of Dogs Trust in the community. The partnership emerged from an effort to connect volunteers with local organizations needing support.
Volunteers currently assist Dogs Trust with various tasks such as cleaning kennels, walking, and grooming dogs. The vaccination day also served as another opportunity for volunteering, which Dogs Trust supported.
Welton-Blake, a frequent visitor to Kingfisher Park, praised the involvement of the local community, noting that the park has become a hub for people to engage in shared interests and charitable projects.