“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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A post shared by Cluny Animal Trust (@cluny_animal_trust)

Sources: Imogen Tarita 

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Talented young ballerinas known as the ‘Baby Swans’ have earned an opportunity to perform with the pros in The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe in Switzerland.

Johannesburg, South Africa (27 May 2025) — A group of little ballerinas affectionately known as the ‘Baby Swans’ from the Mzansi Ballet Vocational School are getting excited for a big opportunity as they prepare to perform in Switzerland alongside the pros.

The Mzansi Ballet Senior Company is set to put on a performance of The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe in Lugano, Switzerland from 30 June to 6 July. This performance will be a highlight in the Rhythm of Two Souths Music and Dance Festival.

The Baby Swans (dancers aged between 8 and 13) have the chance to perform with the senior dancers in what could be an incredible opportunity for their budding dancing careers; both for the exposure and the experience.

To raise the necessary funds for the trip across the pond, the ‘Baby Swans’ squad and their support systems are betting on their dreams by hosting a fundraiser in the form of an evening of music and dance. The evening will be hosted at the Pieter Toerien Theatre, Monte Casino for all Joburgers craving a cultural evening.

Dubbed ’Fusion of Favourites’, the event will feature the world premiere of renowned choreographer Vincent Mantsoe’s ‘Song of Khudugo/Exodus’ alongside performances from the Mzansi Ballet dancers. Food and drinks are included in the ticket!

The proceeds are entirely dedicated to the Baby Swans getting to Switzerland, and those interested in attending can email mzansiballet@gmail.com.

Says proud Baby Swans parent, Charlene Izzet:

“These girls dedicate much of their time and energy to perfecting their craft and performances, and any support at the fundraising event would be incredibly appreciated. It’s a fantastic chance to witness their passion and dedication up close.”

Sources: Email Submission 

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The cosiest fundraiser is just a few sleeps away and has the potential to fund the dreams of so many children fighting life-threatening illnesses.

South Africa (27 May 2025) — Getting cosy for a cause happens in a few sleeps on 30 May; South Africans all over the country will step out into the world not in heels, school shoes or sneakers but in slippers, fluffy, bold and comfort-approved. It’s not exactly a rebellion against conventional shoes (well, maybe in part). Largely, it’s a day that’s dedicated to taking the steps to make a little person’s childhood dream come true.

In most cases, we take our slippers off when we curl up into bed and are ready to dream. But for Slipper Day, we put them on proudly and wear them everywhere in an effort that symbolises dreams becoming reality.

At the heart of the fundraiser is the Reach For A Dream Foundation. Their mission orbits around children fighting life-threatening illnesses and focuses on giving these kids a dose of much-needed magic by giving children a break from their battles and a chance to live out their Dream Days.

The dreams that make up a Dream Day are different for every child. They range from getting to play pretend in their dream career (as a firefighter, chef or whatever they’d love to do when they grow up) to meeting their heroes, or travelling to a place they’ve always wanted to see for the very first time.

In this way, the children (affectionately referred to as Dreamers) get a day to just be kids, spoiled with a slice of life that usually only happens when they’ve drifted off into a fantasy world.

You can help make a myriad of dreams come true simply by participating in the cosiest fundraiser of the year!

Cosy for a Cause:

1. Purchase your slippers ‘ticket’ (AKA, your permission to wear slippers out in society) You can get stickers at Wimpy, Dischem Pharmacies, Baby City, Pick n Pay, Toys R Us, Babies R Us, Krispy Kreme, Hush Puppies, and The Crazy Store.
2. You can also purchase a virtual sticker here or a fun pair of cosy footgear (they’ve got everything from baby sharks to hot pink flamingos!), here
3. Encourage as many people as you can to do the same.

For Schools

1. Participate in the School Competition (where you can sell stickers and win a prize)
2. Or, the social media challenge in which you create and post a fun slipper video for another prize!
3. There is also the Spirit of Slipper Day Award up for grabs a chance for schools that embody the joy of making dreams come true together with Slipper Day to life.

With only four sleeps to go until the big day, there’s still plenty of time to get your stickers, choose your slippers and spread the word to build the slipper squad.

Sources: Reach for a Dream 

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A little boy with dreams of becoming a pilot already knows a lot about bravery (Kgosi has been fighting cancer for most of his life). Wishing to help his life take off for the better, people have raised R50,000 so far to give the four-year-old a chance at treating his cancer.

South Africa (21 May 2025) — Four-year-old Kgosi has spent most of his young life battling cancer.

Diagnosed shortly before his second birthday, Kgosi has spent more time in public healthcare facilities than most will in a lifetime.

Things were looking hopeful for the little boy, until earlier this year.

“Just has his family was hoping to turn a corner, the cancer came back,” shares Cupcakes of Hope, a non-profit, public benefit organisation supporting families of children with cancer in South Africa.

Kgosi’s leukemia had come back, and the treatment options had winded down to a hard-to-access chemotherapy drug called Erwinase.

The problem with Erwinase is that it is not available to public hospitals, or covered by state healthcare. However, it is said to be Kgosi’s best shot at survival.

Hoping to help, people have banded together with Cupcakes of Hope to raise over R50,000 to support his treatment through the drug (which costs a staggering R150,000 for the full course).

They are calling on the public to help give the four-year-old a fighting chance before the end of June.

In good news, the little fighter has already received his first batch of the meds.

 

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A post shared by Cupcakes of Hope (@cupcakesofhope)

There are many ways to help Kgosi:

• Make a donation of what you can
• Host a fundraiser (unite your fellow bakers and raise funds the Cupcakes of Hope way with a bake sale!)
• Spread the word to your community

You can find his fundraiser here, and get in touch with Cupcakes of Hope for more information via sandy@cupcakesofhope.org or lori@cupcakesofhope.org.

Sources: Sandy Cipriano; Cupcakes of Hope 

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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 Kgosi Has a Chance at Treating His Leukaemia appeared first on Good Things Guy.

Last year, enough funds were raised to give 500 white canes to visually impaired people. Now, local Guide Dogs and their friends are preparing to one-up the impact with the second annual Give a Cane Campaign!

South Africa (16 May 2025) – Mtale Moodise is a gym enthusiast from Cosmo City. But, without his white cane to guide his way, he’d have a pretty tough time getting to and from his favourite place. The same goes for Ceala, who lost her vision suddenly during matric. Now a student studying Psychology at the University of Pretoria, Ceala’s white cane is an imperative tool to her freedom and academic success. These are just two of hundreds of stories in which white canes have made a difference for South Africans. Which is exactly why the Give a Cane campaign matters as much as it does.

Last year, the SA Guide-Dogs Association’s Give a Cane Campaign made its debut and raised enough funds to buy 500 white canes for the visually impaired. Following its success, the Guide Dogs team are amping up for a new year of impact; setting their sights on 1000 canes!

“A white cane is so much more than a mobility aid,” says Pieter van Niekerk, spokesperson for the SA Guide-Dogs Association and a white cane user himself. “It’s freedom, dignity, and the confidence to move through life independently.”

The white cane used by SA Guide-Dogs is not a regular walking stick. It’s actually a specialised mobility tool fitted with a rounded ball tip that’s designed to detect changes in terrain, so that the user can know the whether they’ve gone from sidewalk to tactile paving. It’s distinctive look also helps others in the area know that the user is visually impaired and not just, say elderly.

All of this in mind, it can mean a life with more freedom and help to someone who needs it.

Getting involved in the 2025 Give a Cane Campaign is easy peasy. You can raise funds solo or with your office or school. You can tackle a big run or organise a small walkathon, dress-up-a-thon or even a blind fold challenge day.

The point isn’t so much how you participate, it’s that you participate!

And, in good news for businesses, donations are eligible for Section 18A Tax Certificates.

The Give a Cane Campaign is running until 31 July, and you can find out more about contributing and donating, here. 

Sources: Supplied 

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No longer will nature-curious children have to explore the outdoors in flip-flops or beaten-up school shoes.

Hogsback, South Africa (13 May 2025) — The Wild Bird Trust are on a mission to ensure that forest-edge-dwelling children can explore and appreciate the outdoors safely and freely. The team has launched their annual hiking boots initiative, a crowdfunding campaign that makes sure youngsters won’t need to adventure about in old school shoes or flip-flops.

The Wild Bird Trust team are deeply involved in conserving habitats, especially forest hotspots that South Africa’s only endemic parrot calls home, through the Cape Parrot Project. However, they also know that it takes a village of environmentally-conscious humans to protect these spaces and the animals who live there, which is why efforts are poured into local communities.

As such, the team extend knowledge to community members in and around Hogsback. The kids are a big focus, considering their position as the future of tomorrow’s forest, and they connect with them via exciting walks, educational sessions, and camps.

Through the on-the-ground experience, the children get to learn about and interact with nature in the most important way, being in it. But they cannot do this effectively in the wrong shoes.

As the Wild Bird Trust team explain, many of the children show up in the only shoes they own, school shoes or flip-flops.

“We need to raise R20 000 to buy durable hiking shoes for 60 children, ensuring they can explore their environment safely and comfortably,” the team explain. “Any additional funds raised will go towards our next camps—we host 12 children across two camps each year, and every child receives a pair of shoes.”

Little boots exploring the Earth today, an eco-steward saving it tomorrow. You can support the hiking boots for forest-edge childrens’ mission here!

Sources: Wild Bird Trust /GivenGain 

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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.

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Professor Karin Baatjies has a simple birthday wish: help healthcare students and the future of our healthcare system. But, she’s not just relying on lucky candles to make this happen.

Stellenbosch, South Africa (25 April 2025) — Professor Karin Baatjies of Stellenbosch University has once again put her birthday to the best use for the betterment of students and the future of our Healthcare System.

As the Vice Dean of Learning and Teaching for the University, Prof Baatjies knows well the struggles higher education students face financially. However, she’s not merely relying on lucky birthday candles to make the help happen!

Once again, the Prof is the driving force behind Birthday for Bursaries; an initiative that’s all about getting active and fundraising for the next generation set to lead our healthcare system.

Now in its third year, Birthday for Bursaries unites people through different challenges in a bid to raise funds and have fun in the process.

This year the activities included the Tyger Run/Walk, the Cape Town Cycle Tour, The Two Oceans Marathon and the 2025 Merrell Mammoth Woodridge Adventure Race. The funds raised contribute to the Ithemba Bursary Fund which provides essential financial help to deserving students.

In an exciting update, Birthday for Bursaries is rapidly nearing its target of R80,000, with Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences reporting that almost R70,000 has been raised already.

“This fund provides crucial financial support to health sciences students, ensuring no bright mind is left behind due to financial constraints,” shares the Prof.

Meanwhile in more news where healthcare workers are getting a boost, the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust has launched its own plan of action to support emergency surgeries in a bid to save more lives, more effectively. Read more, here. 

Sources: Stellenbosch University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; GivenGain 

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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.

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Don’t be surprised if you see Dalmatians in tutus, Dachshunds in hot dog outfits and Pomeranians boasting bow ties soon. The Paws on the Promenade Fundraiser will see the Sea Point Promenade bustling with power walking, fit and fabulous pets and humans.

Sea Point, South Africa (02 April 2025) — On Sunday, 13 April, the Sea Point Promenade will enjoy even more power walking pets and humans than usual thanks to the annual Paws on the Promenade Fundraiser that’s now in its 7th year.

The dog walk, doubling as a fundraiser, is put on by the Mdzananda Animal Clinic yearly and is one of the organisation’s most popular events.

Fit and Fabulous

While some participants focus on fitness or making new friends (both humans and pets), others see it as more of an extended runway to show off their animals in adorable fits.

“People get very creative, dressing themselves and their dogs up in costumes,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive and event organizer. “There will be Dalmatians in tutus, Dachshunds in hot dog outfits and Pomeranians with bow ties.” 

Those keen on participating are encouraged to get creative; dress up in a dog outfit or wear something orange to represent the Mdzananda Animal Clinic brand.

Walking With Purpose

The event is as much about fun and community as it is about fundraising. Especially as tough times hit charities hardest, events like this can mean a lot of help for a lot of lives.

“Our 2024 Paws on the Promenade was a great success with an attendance of 325 dogs, 1 cat and 614 humans,” says Marcelle.

“On a budget of just R4,475 we raised R45,786. We hope to raise even more funds with this year’s event. This, however, all depends on how many wonderful dogs and humans join us for the walk.”

“Our budget keeps growing year on year due to the demand for our services, Marcelle adds. “It is essential for us to diversify our fundraising. Paws on the Promenade is a great fundraiser but also a magnificent fun filled event for the whole family.”

About the Mdzananda Animal Clinic

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is an NPO animal clinic in Khayelitsha that serves up to 1500 animals per month through consultations, hospitalisation, general and orthopaedic surgeries, continuous sterilisations, mobile clinics, an animal ambulance and a homeless pet shelter.

They also focus heavily on community empowerment and education to ensure people become responsible pet owners, breaking cycles of neglect and inspiring a culture where animals are considered part of the community.

Details

The big walk will take place on Sunday, the 13^th of April at 8:30 am. Starting at the Mouille Point lighthouse, the five-kilometer route will extend to the Sea Point swimming pool and back.

However, there are shorter turnaround points for old, tired and injured pets (or humans).

Everyone is invited, and humans without four-legged friends of their own are welcome too! You can walk one of the homeless dogs by emailing marcelle@mdzananda.co.za and booking a dog to stroll with (limited dogs are available).

Tickets are at just R50 per person, R50 per dog and R25 for kids under 12. You can grab yours here, or on the day from 8 am.

Also to look forward to are raffle prizes, product sales, delicious coffee, food and crafts.

Don’t forget to arrive early—the first 150 dogs to arrive will also receive a free goodie bag!

Sources: Marcelle du Plessis 

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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 Fashion, Footwork and Fundraising: Over 350 Paws to Walk the Sea Point Promenade  appeared first on Good Things Guy.

An Easter Egg heist has knocked the Craig View Veterinary Clinic in Boksburg, leaving them no choice but to get the authorities involved. The treat thievery led them to a small (but not to be underestimated) mastermind; a pupspect who has since been apprehended.

Boksburg, South Africa (31 March 2025) – It was a dark day for the Craig View Veterinary Clinic when they realised that one of their own turned against them in the name of delectable treats. The pupspect named Cola has been accused of several moments of mischief, however the latest act simply couldn’t be pushed aside.

On 17 March, the pupspect was reported as having been apprehended by the local authorities following accusations of stealing Easter Eggs and other treats.

“Due to this being the third incident involving the suspect we were left with no choice but to involve law enforcement,” the Craig View Veterinary Clinic shared, adding that the incident was regrettable for all members on the team.

The pupspect reportedly stole a large amount of Easter Eggs and tinned food donations meant for charity—a heist she took on as a lone ranger.

Allegations of a suspicious selfie have also been in circulation, with the veterinary clinic sharing that they know the selfie was a warning for the heist and mayhem that would unfold.

“Thanks to the swift action of police officers Canna and Van Rooyen, Cola was apprehended before she could escape,” the team shared, adding that  Cola’s bail was set at 100 boxes of Easter Eggs.

The ‘Free Cola’ community have since spoken out, but the clinic has made it clear that protestors should stay in their lane.

However, Free Cola fans have risen up to pay Cola’s bail in Easter Egg boxes, demanding justice in the process (some have even offered her pro-bono legal representation).

The Real Deal

Cola’s mischief aside, the veterinary clinic is rallying 4,000 boxes of Easter Eggs to be distributed to charities—a special effort they undertake annually to the joy and appreciation of many.

So far, they have a total of over 600 egg boxes and 453 cans of tinned food, which is a far cry from where they hoped to be. With the countdown to Easter winding down quickly, they need support more than ever (especially with certain adorable pupspects on the prowl).

Those wishing to support their mission and Cola’s bail can drop off goodies at the clinic, 44 Reier Road, Atlasville, Boksburg, or by contributing cash equivalents via:

Craig View Vet Inc
Rmb private bank (FNB)
Acc 62671688607
Branch code 250655.
Reference: Free Cola

Sources: Craigview Veterinary Hospital 

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Little Janique, lovingly called Princess Janique, has finally received the life-changing, tumour-removing surgeries she’s been waiting six years for… made possible at a specialised facility in the USA! Thanks to her family’s unwavering determination and the kindness of her community, her journey is a beautiful reminder that real-life fairytales do come true.

Global (19 March 2025) — There’s a little girl affectionately known as Princess Janique. And this princess just so happens to be one helluva fighter.

Diagnosed with Stage 3 Neuroblastoma as a tiny tot, Janique spent what is often the softest stage of life undergoing treatment after treatment, battling what was considered a rare tumour.

“But none of them were successful,” Cupcakes of Hope’s Sandy Cipriano says.

Sandy first met Janique when the girl was just a few months old at a high tea picnic held for their littlest patients from Bloem in 2018. Cupcakes of Hope is a non-profit that supports children with cancer, helping their families raise funds (often through delicious treats) that often save lives.

“After extensive consultations with international experts, Janique’s diagnosis was updated to Ganglioneuroma, a growth pressing against her airway [that made] it necessary for her to have a tracheostomy,” Sandy explains.

Princess Janique is 7-years-old now. And after a roller-coaster start to life, hope has finally turned the page for her.

“After months of hope and waiting, Janique’s parents, Nadine Mukheibir and Jacques Venter, received a glimmer of hope when a team of doctors in Memphis agreed to remove the tumour,” Sandy beams.

Janique’s family wasted no time in organising their papers to travel to the USA. By January this year, Janique was looking at two surgeries: one that would close off her right carotid artery to ensure her left artery can provide healthy blood flow to her brain, and one to remove the tumour at St Jude’s Hospital—a 21-hour marathon of a procedure.

“After nearly six years of waiting, our courageous Princess Janique is finally set to undergo life-saving surgery in America to remove a ganglioneuroma tumour,” her mom Nadine shared at the time.

Despite the sheer joy that came with knowing this fighting chance was possible, the financial burden of it all loomed in the background. But, with Cupcakes of Hope and their community in the wings, this would not be a burden for long.

The non-profit team quickly spread the word and got to fundraising. And, the response was nothing short of moments that rivals fairytales. Cupcakes of Hope managed to surpass their target of R30,000 for Princess Janique to raise an incredible R61,560.

This would cover her medical expenses and follow-up care and allow her family to stay in Memphis while Janique recovered.

“[The fundraiser] was made possible by the generosity of so many, including a heartwarming, large donation from cancer survivor Rosalind, who truly went above and beyond,” the team shared.

In even better news, Janique’s surgeries were a success and she is back home in South Africa.

Cupcakes of Hope shared:

“Janique is surrounded by love as she heals. If all goes well, in two months, Janique will need another operation to address damage to her trachea.”

“It’s been such a rollercoaster ride for us all, with so many lows, but finally she got the miracle that she desperately needed,” said Sandy.

You can find out more about Cupcakes of Hope here.

Sources: GTG Interview

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