The funds were raised without costing cardholders a cent and a portion of the income was channelled to the Society's centralised training centre in Alberton, Gauteng.
The centre provides skills training for inspectors and various other in-depth courses such as law and animals, animal behaviour and emergency care of wildlife. Branches from across South Africa send individuals to the training centre to qualify as inspectors and field officers. With the funds raised, the training centre will continue providing invaluable training to thousands of personnel who monitor, prevent and address cruelty towards animals in various circumstances ranging from domestic to farming and wildlife.
"The funds raised through the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card are indispensable and enable both the continuation and establishment of various projects for the good of all animals in South Africa and we thank all animal lovers for their support," says Christine Kuch, spokesperson for the National Council.
Also significantly benefitting from the funds raised, is an outreach project to uplift the welfare and general care of working donkeys in South Africa. Owners receive educational material and guidance on driving techniques and broken bridles and harnesses are replaced free.
During last year, the fundraising programme raised more than R36 million for charities, schools and environmental organisations across South Africa due to the continued support of the programme's 670,000 active supporters. Pieter Twine, MySchool GM says, "Support for our animal-related beneficiaries has shown the greatest growth in new supporters over the past two years, indicating that the South African public harbour a deep concern for animal welfare."
