A R100 calendar might seem like a small purchase. Sell enough of them, however, and those R100s can add up to something substantial.

Sandton SPCA has launched its 2027 calendar with a R750 000 fundraising target, after its previous edition raised R560 000.

There is a striking reason for that particular target: R750 000 is roughly what it costs to run the organisation for one month.

Rescue animals take the red carpet

The calendar was launched at Bryanston Country Club on 27 August, but this was no ordinary page-by-page reveal.

Volunteers took to the red carpet to bring the stories of the rescued animals featured in the calendar to life. Among the calendar stars are Leo and Tau in February, Cupcake in April, Coco in September, and Rover and Otis in November.

Sandton SPCA says every animal featured is a rescue, with the calendar focusing on their journeys and second chances.

Where the money goes

Sandton SPCA receives no government funding and relies on public support to continue its work. Its services include rescuing and caring for animals, veterinary care, cruelty prevention and investigations, rehabilitation and rehoming.

One area getting particular attention is its outreach sterilisation programme.

Around 1 300 outreach sterilisations were completed last year. The target for this year is 4 000, with free sterilisation provided to pet owners in disadvantaged communities.

This is not only about treating animals already in distress. Making sterilisation more accessible can help reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats eventually arriving at the SPCA.

There’s an extra month

There is one small surprise in the 2027 edition: it actually has 13 months.

January 2028 has been added, giving buyers an extra month before it is time to find a new calendar.

Where to get one

Sandton SPCA currently lists it as available:

• Online through Sandton SPCA
• At Sandton SPCA Reception
• At the Book Nook in Morning Glen Mall, next to Clicks

The organisation has also announced a limited-edition calendar, available for pre-order.

The Bottom Line

Last year, Sandton SPCA turned a R100 calendar into R560 000 for animal welfare. This time, it is aiming for R750 000, roughly enough to cover one month of running the organisation.

The animals may be the faces on the pages, but every calendar sold helps fund the work behind their second chances.