It’s a privilege to share this, our inaugural Underdog newsletter, with you.
Underdog has had a busy year. We’ve been working with inspiring and challenging young people from both Hout Bay High School and SA Children’s Home, and shelter dogs from DARG.
A special thank you to our donors this year. One private donation in particular has enabled us to build an Underdog classroom (more about this further on). The Shoprite Community Network donated R10,000 towards dog training equipment and student meals, and Hills continues to provide us with training essentials, such as dog food, dog bowls and treat bags.
Unfortunately though, these donations only touch the tip of the iceberg. The Underdog Project faces a huge challenge to source funding for two staff members so that we can provide holistic support to our students throughout the coming years.
We cannot do this alone.
How can you help? Well, for a start, share this newsletter with friends. Then donate: buy a t-shirt, host a fundraising dinner party, become a regular donor. We’re not asking for much, but we are asking – because we believe in the power of the underdog. And I know that you do too.
Warm regards,
Jenna da Silva Pinto
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Underdog Youth Builder is an after school course that The Underdog Project organises for at-risk high school learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. This year we have accepted eight Grade 9 learners from Hout Bay High School. Meeting twice a week for two hours, each learner is paired with a shelter dog from the Hout Bay animal shelter, DARG. Classes involve a fun combination of dog training and life skills activities.
Youth Builder harnesses the therapeutic power of animals and tackles social and emotional problems in an experiential and indirect way, through practical dog handling skills and humane education.
We want to foster school going youths and children who are healthy in body and mind, who are armed with skills and confidence to enter the real world and succeed. And if we can in the process help shelter dogs to find forever homes, then so much the better.
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Animal behaviourist and dog trainer, Karen Gray-Kilfoil joined The Underdog Project this year as one of our core trainers. Karen facilitated a canine rehabilitation project at Pollsmoor Correctional Facility for 5 years and today she runs an environmental group in Sun Valley. Her passionate and joyful approach to training is a great asset to team Underdog.
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Muriel was a shy young dog when she joined The Underdog Project in 2011. Within a few days of working with her, it became clear that she was extremely bright but nervous of the world around her. With gentle guidance from her teen handler, Danrico, Muriel gained in confidence and was adopted into a forever home.
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A generous private donation has enabled Underdog to fulfill one of our major wishes: a classroom for youth and volunteer workshops. Our new Underdog headquarters will be a safe space for kids, volunteers and members of the public to meet up, explore humane education resources and share stories.
A huge thank you goes out to Clive and Tommy (both Hout Bay residents) who have dug, hauled, sawed, measured, leveled, squared, bolted, nailed and poured heart and soul into the foundations and platform for the classroom.
Our Hout Bay High teens joined them to learn the ins and outs of carpentry. It was a wonderful lesson where everyone was able to contribute to attaching the last of the cross beams to the platform.
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Last year in November, motorcycle enthusiast and passionate animal lover, Leon Crous, hit the roads of the Western Cape, riding for The Underdog Project.
The Underdog Charity Ride raised R40,000, half of which was donated to shelters that Leon visited en route. We were also able to spread the message that shelter dogs can be agents of change for troubled youths.
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On the 18th of September last year, UCT students were visited by a group of four-legged volunteers.
These dedicated canines were on campus for the UCT Not-for-Profit and Civil Society Career Fair and their job was to introduce students to The Underdog Project, which they did brilliantly, with wagging tails and bright eyes. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped Underdog shine.
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At the DARG Open Day this May, 8 Grade 9s from Hout Bay High School stole the show with their confident handling skills and enthusiasm.
Each learner and shelter dog team took to the field to demonstrate some of the skills they’ve learnt during the course. Performing in front of a crowd takes guts – and we were incredibly proud of the Underdog Team.
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The Underdog Project
NPO 099-954
Cape Town Headquarters
Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG)
Main Road
Hout Bay
7806
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Financial Donations
Please use your name as a reference.
Donations can also be made via our website
The Underdog Project
FNB Cheque Account
Account Number:
62357753667
Branch Code:
201009
Swift Code:
FIRNZAJJ
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Telephone
+27 (0)21 790 5554
+27 (0)82 412 2772
Email
mail@underdogproject.org
Website
www.underdogproject.org
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