Remembering the 6th Scout Law

A Scout is a Friend to Animals

Being school holidays, there are no Cub Pack Meetings for the next four weeks. I thought I would post an article about two donations the 9th Benoni Bambanani Cubs made the past couple of years.

Crime is rife in South Africa and whenever there is a house break-in and the suspect flees, it is often the dog who makes first contact with the suspect. It is said that a dog does the work of 10 men. The police superintendent indicated that often police dogs were shot but stabbings are their biggest concern.

The Cub Pack wanted to help out and we contacted the manufacturers of the bullet proof jacket for the police dogs. They agreed to help as well - so the Cubs put all their efforts into raising as much money as possible.

The above photo shows the 9th Benoni Bambanani Cub Pack handing over the bullet proof jacket to the police dog. It was a happy occasion - knowing that one more dog would be protected.

The Cubs of 9th Benoni shared the award in the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in the category Young Animal Superhere - domestic animal category. Well done!

A year later the Cubs decided that they would like to sponsor a Guide Dog! This meant lots and lots of 'funny money' and lots of fund-raising. "Funny money" is collected each week from each Cub and this is his or her contribution towards a 'Good Turn'. At this stage to sponsor a Guide Dog was in the region of R7500.

So the fundraising started! We held raffles, Mother's Teas, and a Flea market.... and after much blood, sweat and tears we reached our target! It took well over 10 months and many nights counting out small change.

Once the money had been collected, we invited the SA Guide Dog Association to visit. A darling, little black puppy bounded out of the car .... and this was Ike! ..... the puppy we were sponsoring! He was gorgious to say the least. What an absolute joy it was to finally meet him and know that all our hard work was worth every cent!

Marina, Ike's puppy walker, keeps in touch with me and regularly updates me on Ike's progress. Ike and his new owner now live in Namibia and travel around the country spreading the Gospel. Ike's new owner, Izak, lost his sight as a young man and has had 5 other guide dogs. Izak enjoys Ike's energy and eagerness to learn. Due to the tremendous heat and humidity, Izak is hoping to have special 'shoes' made for Ike to wear whilst they travel spreading the Word.

We, at 9th Benoni Bambanani, are thrilled to hear that they are doing so well!

This is a photo of Gaia. Gaia is a new little candidate and has been identified to be placed with a blind person for training at the end of the month. Well done Gaia!

Should anyone like to sponsor a Guide Dog, please contact the SA Guide Dog Association directly.

Should you wish to email me - I may be contacted at joyhutch@mweb.co.za.

Till next Time

Keep Cubbing

Akela Joy