Bequest Society News
Catching up with special friends who have made the decision to remember our SPCA in their Wills
An animal lover who has never owned a pet!
Although he grew up in a home filled with dogs and cats, Kevin Horton has never owned a pet as an adult. His busy work schedule, which involved travelling extensively both locally and overseas, made it difficult for him to provide the care and companionship a pet needs.
Now that he’s retired, he lives in a retirement village where pets are not allowed. Nevertheless, Kevin has an abiding love and compassion for all creatures great and small – especially English Bulldogs, which were very much a part of his child- hood.
“You could have a great rough and tumble with Bullies,” he says, “and they would always end up giving you a slobber-filled kiss.”
During his travels, Kevin became involved with feral cats at the mills he visited, taking them food and arranging for them to be sterilized.
He’s also found a way to continue providing for animals in need, through a bequest to our SPCA. Thank you, Kevin.
Posted 11 April 2025
Message from Mary
This year, I challenged myself to swim the Midmar Mile to raise funds for the animals in our care. I trained diligently and felt confident I could make it across.
But, at the halfway mark, I was
told I hadn’t made the cutoff time. I was devastated. I still had plenty of energy and felt strong, yet my race was over.
A flood of emotions washed over me. I felt as though I had let the animals down, along with the generous people who had sponsored me. I was also embarrassed, because I had been so sure I would finish. I vowed I would never do it again.
But a few weeks later, my perspective has shifted. My granddaughter’s words resonated deeply with me: “Granny, you have to finish what you start.” And she’s right. I may not have finished the race this year, but I am determined to try again.
Swimming for a cause so close to my heart makes the challenge worth it. Hopefully next year I can raise a lot more money for our furry orphans – and conquer the Midmar Mile.
Posted 11 April 2025
MEET-A-MEMBER Megan Goshen
More than just a popular member of our Bequest Society, Megan is one of those people who can always be counted on to help out whenever we need an extra pair of hands.
As a child, she grew up surrounded by the family dogs and cats. But it wasn’t until she was in her mid 40s that Megan became the owner of her first dog. She adopted him from our SPCA, back in the days when we were located at our old premises in Cato Manor.
Visiting our SPCA and seeing all the dogs and cats in our care inspired Megan to want to do something to help. She volunteered to help out once a month on a Saturday at our bookshop. And it was here that she first met Mary.
Through the years, Megan has continued to support our SPCA. When she came to update her Will recently, she was very pleased to find herself in a position to leave a bequest to our organisation.
After her retirement, Megan found herself with time on her hands and volunteered to help exercise our dogs ... until she went home with two of them!
Posted 11 April 2025
Bridge day fun
Our SPCA Bridge Tournament always draws the crowds – and last year’s event at Northlands Bowling Club on 6 November was no exception. The cards were shuffled, the bids were bold, and the competition was fierce among the 132 players who came together.
Thanks to the support of our SPCA team, and the enthusiasm of all the participants, the event ran smoothly and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. The best bridge minds in each of the three sections were rewarded with awesome prizes.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to hosting another great event soon!
Posted 11 April 2025
CAN YOU BELIEVE? Weirdest bequests ever
When most people think of a bequest, they imagine leaving money or property to family, friends, or causes they care deeply about. But some people take their final wishes to a whole new level!
Leona Helmsley, a wealthy hotel magnate, left $12 million to her beloved Maltese, Trouble. The pampered pup lived a life of luxury until she died.
Portuguese aristocrat Luis Carlos de Noronha Cabral da Camara had no heirs, so he randomly picked 70 strangers from the phone book to inherit his wealth. Imagine getting that phone call!
Eccentric millionaire, John Bowman, believed he would be reincarnated, so he left a fortune to ensure that his mansion was maintained and a fresh meal prepared for him every night – in case he returned!
Unlike millionaire dogs and unex- pected fortunes, a bequest to the SPCA ensures that countless animals receive love, care, and a second chance at life. If you’re thinking about leaving a legacy, contact us today to learn how you can make a lasting impact.
Posted 11 April 2025
MEET-A-MEMBER Michelle Munroe
As an accountant working from home, Michelle knows that three cats add up to the perfect number of purrs and cuddles!
Harley, Star and Maddison are all rescues. When a friend found a tiny 2-week-old kitten, she knew just who to take it to – Michelle has always loved animals, especially cats. 14 years later, Star is still living happily with Michelle. But she doesn’t like strangers and hides in the bedroom when people visit.
The other two cats belonged to Michelle’s next door neighbour, who wasn’t looking after them properly. When Harley came over to her house, he was skin and bones. Kind-hearted Michelle couldn’t chase him away as he was clearly starving. After she found out that
he had a kidney problem, she looked after him until he was better and, not surprisingly, he decided to stay with her permanently. It wasn’t long before Maddison moved in too!
Cruelty to animals is something Michelle can’t tolerate. Including our SPCA as a beneficiary in her Will gives her the satisfaction of knowing that animals in distress will always have a safe haven.
Posted 7 November 2023
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pam & Michael
Turning 93 is a real cause for celebration and lots of spoils. Michael received plenty of gifts, chocolates and good wishes for his birthday in September, as well as a visit from Carol, from the Dog Box charity shop in Ballito.
Pam celebrated her 96th birthday on 1 October. Unfortunately, she spent the day in hospital, but was up, walking around the gardens enjoying the sunshine a few days later. She loves feeding the wild birds.
Although Pam loves animals and is devoted to her cats, she finds it too upsetting to visit our SPCA. Mary popped in to wish her many happy returns.
Pictured above:
Michael celebrates his 93rd birthday with Carol & Heidi (top), while Mary was there to wish Pam a happy 96th birthday (below).
Posted 7 November 2023
Can’t have a pet? Share one of ours!
If you live in a place that’s not pet-friendly – or you’re concerned about taking on an animal that may outlive you – why not consider sponsoring one of our friendly SPCA yard cats instead?
In return for a small monthly contribution towards their care, you can pop in to our SPCA at any time during normal opening hours, and enjoy a cuddle with ‘your’ cat. Call Mary on 031 579 6535 for more details.
Posted 7 November 2023
Message from our Bequest Liaison Officer, Mary Koen
It has been a busy few months and I have really enjoyed the opportunities afforded by our recent events to get to know you all a little better.
Even though I’m still learning the game, it was a joy to watch the Bridge experts play at our recent tournament. So successful was the event, that we organised a Scrabble morning, and may have a bowls competition next year.
Membership of our Bequest Society has grown and I’m thrilled to welcome all new members. Your thoughtful commitment to supporting our vision and legacy means the world to us. A bequest is not just a financial contribution; it is a powerful statement of belief in the causes and values you hold most dear. And it ensures that the impact of our work will continue to make a positive difference for years to come.
Thank you for being part of the Durban & Coast SPCA bequest community. If you have any questions, feedback or sugges- tions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Your input is invaluable.
Posted 7 November 2023
Moving to a smaller home?
Did you know that we collect your unwanted items in good condition?
From furniture and appliances to kitchen items, crockery, curtains, books, ornaments and clothing – whatever you no longer want or need, we can sell to raise funds to help pay for food and vet supplies for animals at the SPCA.
Call 031 579 6534 to arrange for us to collect. Thank you!
Posted 7 November 2023
Bridge morning attracts crowds
Over a hundred people attended our first Bridge Tournament at Northlands Bowling Club on 19 July – making it one of our most successful Bequest Society events.
It was wonderful to see so many people intent on the challenges of the game and thoroughly enjoying the morning. Delicious eats and drinks were provided by the talented team at our own Coffee Cats Café.
Grateful thanks to Hollywood Bets for their generous sponsorship, and to everyone who attended. Through your participation, you helped us raise R12 000 towards the care of our furry orphans.
Want to join us next time? Please email mary@spcadbn.org.za to be sure of receiving your invitation.
Posted 7 November 2023
