Big hearted bikers at it once again, Animal welfare this time...

Just the other day I was playing pool with Frank at the Phoenix bar and we were discussing just how many charity events we bikers get involved in, how much of our time and our money we all give to the various charities. We agreed that there is no other group or organisation that does as much as bikers do, and this is not just limited to our group or to us in the western cape, this is national and indeed international. For some reason bikers will jump at the chance of supporting a worthy cause and a case in point was this past Sunday.

I had read an appeal on social media for assistance from the Saldanha Animal Welfare society, they were struggling to support the number of animals in their care and were appealing for donations of food for dogs and puppies. I took this to the West Coast Motorcycle Association meeting and was asked if I could organise it and post the date on the social media groups.

It didn't take much organising, bikers are animal lovers too. 

Reading this blog you will have heard mention of this place before, we frequent it quite often as do many bikers and members of the general public, especially on weekends. The food is good and great value for money. Charl, the General Manager contacted me earlier in the week to say that they would be sponsoring coffee and rusks for the bikers.

It was a cold day, our weather is changing as we approach summer, we arrived at about 09h45 and already they were gathering, those hardy bikers who don't care about the weather, and the number eventually far exceeded our expectations! 

Elsje, our very keen young lady rider

Even scooter riders were taking part

Eventually it was time to saddle up, many local clubs were represented and there were also many unaffiliated riders who gathered for the riders' briefing.

 Connie (left) from the Animal Welfare Society and I received, with gratitude, further evidence of Juffoshoogte generosity in the form of a huge bag of dog food handed over by the manager Carmen, and it was time to go.

We rode in a tight staggered formation, keeping the speed down to about 80kmh in the hope that the scooters could keep up, down into Vredenburg and through to Saldanha, probably about twenty kilometers in total, and then lined the bikes up outside the animal care premises.

Our numbers soon filled the relatively small space, we were able to meet and greet some of the dogs and puppies in their care, some were quarantined such as some Pitbulls that had been rescued from fighting. This disgusting practise is, unfortunately prevalent and takes up some of their time.

Our donations were gratefully received but they will only make a small difference, apparently they go through something like 25kg of dog food per day!

Pretty girl with happy dog

Antonio hands out treats

We spent about an hour there chatting with the staff, petting happy dogs who were extremely excited to see so many people around.

In discussion with Connie

Wayne (left) and Dennis of the Clique

Several of us went back to Juffroshoogte for a good lunch, it had been a feel-good day, I did not get a chance to count the number of bikes or people who braved the cold weather to offer help but several cars were involved as well. This, however was just a drop in the ocean, the number of dogs and puppies (and cats which are housed elsewhere for obvious reasons) changes constantly and the needs exceed the income.

I was told that many local residents regularly donate their time to the center as well as other necessities, anyone who wishes to make any donations will be welcomed with open arms. Perhaps this must also become a more frequent event? Sincere thanks to all who took part and who donated food even though they could not attend - bikers Rock!