“This is a fantastic example of a community coming together.” After a whopping 72 puppies were discovered in a small area in the Free State, the Cluny Animal Trust knew it was only a matter of time before that number exploded. Understanding that sterilisation is imperative to prevent dogs in poverty, the community have come together in a big way to help with a fantastic vacation raffle.

Rosendal, South Africa (29 May 2025) — Whilst doing outreach earlier this month, the Eastern Free State-based Cluny Animal Trust discovered a boom of puppies in a small town. This set off sirens of concern as a dog over-population crisis looms for the Mautse community in Rosendal.

A total of 72 puppies, most being female. This means that there will be more puppy booms to come if sterilisation action isn’t taken. Should the situation go unchecked, animal poverty is likely to rise given the size of Mautse and its limited capacity to care for the dogs.

The answer? Sterilisation. The solution? Community.

Sterilisations are no freebies, and the Cluny Animal Trust needs to raise a small fortune to help the animal population get under control again. Thankfully, the dog moms have been sterilised.

In fantastic news, Imogen Tarita of the Cluny Animal Trust tells Good Things Guy that the Rosendal community have already banded together to help raise the necessary funds by organising a travel raffle.

Hand-in-hand with the non-profit, people have come together to raise the R36,000 by way of a weekend trip raffle in the artist town of Rosendal.

The raffle boasts a 3 night stay at a local country retreat, dinner, breakfast, a sunset experience at Holkrans and even a picnic from PotLuck! It’s the perfect getaway for two.

With raffle tickets going for only R200, those entering can look forward to not only a unique travel experience in a gorgeous part of the Free State, but also knowing that they have contributed to animal wellbeing nearby.

Those keen to support the community and the Cluny Animal Trust can enter by emailing imogen@clunyanimaltrust.co.za. The draw date is 31 August and there are only 180 tickets available, so get them quick!

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Sources: Imogen Tarita 

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If you love a cold plunge and laugh in the face of icy waters, the Cluny Animal Trust’s Charity Polar Bear Plunge can’t wait to have you join the challenge and defy the cold in the name of animal welfare.

Free State, South Africa (09 March 2025) — Whether you start your day by laughing in the face of icy waters or simply can’t say no to that which challenges your comfort zone, you might be eager to put these superhuman abilities to the test for good. The Cluny Animal Trust’s Charity Polar Bear Plunge is inviting the bravest among us to take the plunge in the name of animal welfare!

Every year, the Cluny Animal Trust hosts a Polar Bear Plunge to support its work for animals. The charity has seen great success from the event before, offering an opportunity for people to visit Arpa Dam, have some fun and come home with a brave story to share.

How the Polar Bear Plunge Works

After you register, you’ll either spend the next few months preparing for the plunge, or you’ll forget you signed up, only to realise the month before, at which point you’ll just have to pray that the spirit guide of Howard Warrington will guide you through the challenge. You can either join the action in Fouriesburg or take a plunge somewhere you fancy, so long as you record it and send the video to the charity.

As for the fundraising part of it all, the entry fee is R100, as well as a bag of pet food for a cat or dog. Some people also get their community to sponsor their plunges to make the effort go even further for the animals that the Cluny Animal Trust helps.

Beyond an experience you’ll never forget every time you take a warm shower and remember the cold you beat, there are also exciting prizes on the cards. And, of course, the knowing that you played a courageous role in supporting a charity that’s making life for animals in the Eastern Free State healthier and happier.

About the Cluny Animal Trust

Founded in 2011, the Cluny Animal Trust is involved with everything from vaccinating animals to making sure they are sterilised and fed. They’ve been featured several times on Good Things Guy for their efforts!

Details:

• When: 5 July 2025 at 12 pm
• Where: Arpa Adventure Dam, Fouriesburg or virtually
• Register: You can sign up by emailing imogen@clunyanimaltrust.co.za.

Sources: The Cluny Animal Trust 

Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google. 

Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

The post Love a Cold Plunge? Put Yourself to the Test With the Polar Bear Plunge! appeared first on Good Things Guy.