Dear Supporters, 

As South Africa emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down it provides an opportunity to contemplate what has transpired over the past few months. We will each have a different narrative on the experience, yet there is no doubt that this unexpected pandemic will leave its scars on economies, countries, and communities around the world.
 
As is the reality in desperate times such as these, some of the worst affected are those that cannot speak for themselves – the animals of this world. It is understandable too that when someone cannot put food on the table for themselves, and their families, that it is at least equally difficult to provide food, medical treatment and safety for their pets.
 
It is no wonder then that our kennels and surgery has seen a significant increase in admissions over this period. It is also to be expected that when the full effect of the damaged economy kicks in and relief measures run out, leaving more people unemployed this demand on KAWS will continue to increase.
 
The reality at times like this is that while demand for our services increases, our income plummets. COVID-19 has impacted on our income worse than during other economic downturns. Our largest source of income, the KAWS Shop, was closed for two months, three of Knysna’s large events where we usually host successful fundraisers and receive donations, the Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Motor Show and the Oyster Festival have all been cancelled. With social distancing being a reality for some time to come some of our other fund raisers such as the Quiz Night will likely not take place. Smaller initiatives such as the street collections, tin collections, etc. and general donations will be impacted. Our funding gap will increase.
 
We are therefore so very grateful that in these challenging times you have provided us with a very generous donation. We never take any donation for granted as being on the front line we see the immediate impact that each donation makes to the animals.
 
For example, during this period, our kennel staff made up and distributed approximately 2100 food parcels for the pets that were in need in 37 surrounding areas. We have attended to almost 300 animals in the clinic & surgery that required treatment. This would not have been possible without the donations we received.
 
During the Knysna Fires of 2017, our staff demonstrated their commitment to caring for animals in distress by going beyond the call of duty to make sure KAWS provided the service and assistance that was required. I am very pleased to report that they all once again showed the same passion and commitment during this crisis. I am honoured to lead such a dedicated team.
 
Once again, thank you for your donation to KAWS in these trying times, and I wish you and your loved ones good health.
 
 
Kind regards