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Tall Poppy Raises Thousands to Support Animals at Crisis Point


Around 80 people took part in Tall Poppy’s Annual Golf Day at Waikanae Golf Club, raising funds for the local SPCA that looks after animals in the Wellington region.


Julia van de Coolwijk, SPCA General Manager for Engagement says animals are staying longer, and their centres are at capacity.


“Dogs are staying on average 20 days longer than this time last year. We’re still seeing the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 lockdown; unfortunately we couldn’t handle desexing at our usual levels which means we’re now seeing more puppies and kittens.


When you combine this with the cost of living crisis people can’t afford to bring pets into their home or keep them.


“We’re seeing litters of kittens all year round, and as we are heading into our busy kitten season, capacity is only becoming a bigger concern,” she says.


Last year, the team at HQ raised funds for the Levin centre with their campaign “Animals Need Homes Too” that saw the local Kāpiti team donate part of their selling fees, as well as collecting and donating items such as bedding, food and toys.


Michael Seymour says Tall Poppy wanted to support the SPCA with this year’s Golf Day as they can see the struggle faced by the services in the local area.


“The welfare of animals is close to the heart of many of our people and to use our resources to raise money for such a good cause not only saves helpless animals, it also gives our team a sense of contribution and satisfaction that is not hard to get volunteers to assist.” he says.


The SPCA’s essential work - desexing, veterinary care and vaccinations - would be impossible without donations, says van de Coolwijk.


“We do get funding from the government for our inspectorate services, this contribution equates to roughly 10% of the total SPCA operating costs. Like many other charities, we are experiencing hard times as a result of the cost of living crisis.


“People are more cautious with their donations, but we remain grateful for every single one - no matter how big or small, as every cent goes to helping these vulnerable animals.” she says.

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