Power breeds take to the catwalk for the Animal RAID “Pit Passion with Fashion” Survivor fundraiser:
Whetting the appetite of fashionistas, socialites and the general public in the run-up to the Durban Fashion Fair, is Animal RAID’s first-ever “Pit Passion with Fashion” animal fund-raiser taking place at Musgrave Methodist Church Hall at 237 Musgrave Road, Durban on Saturday, 19 August from 2pm to 4pm.
Featuring pit bulls and other canine power breeds, the ‘Surivivor’ themed fashion show is the first of several fundraising events organised for the purchase of the NPO’s planned pro-life animal sanctuary to be based in Waterfall. Securing this property will allow Animal RAID to rescue helpless victims from illegal dog fighting rings and remove powerless animals from abusive conditions, and provide them with life-long sanctuary. As it stands, all pit bulls rescued from dog fighting syndicates are put down after the conclusion of the trial. Pawfect Nation, which Animal RAID falls under, also plans to build an onsite veterinary hospital for these rescued animals.
“The overall projected cost is R2m for the purchase of the property and construction of the hospital,” explained Jessica Singh, founder of the non-profit animal rights organisation, Pawfect Nation, and creator of the NPO’s direct-action unit, Animal RAID (Rescue, Action, Investigation Division). “The identified plot is an equestrian property, which already has some of the necessary structures and facilities built. It will be transformed into an idyllic home-like sanctuary for the rescued victims of dog fighting, abused street animals and unseen animal victims from rural areas. We’re hoping to raise enough funds through public events like this, as well as through crowdfunding to secure this property.”
“I have a passion for the pit bull breed but want to emphasise that Animal RAID does not promote the pit bull as a family dog; this breed should be cared for by people who have the experience and knowledge about the breed. The purpose of this fundraising event is to make the public aware of how much abuse and cruelty is inflicted on pit bulls because of negative misconceptions about the breed.”
By featuring socialised pit bulls as well as other power breeds in the fashion show, the public will get a chance to see these animals in a different light. Accompanying the canines on the catwalk will be contestants from M-Net’s past production, Survivor SA, as well as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters and professional models.
Showing its support for this worthwhile cause, the KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council (KZNFC) put out a notice on behalf of the NPO for designers to partake in this fundraising event. Several established KZN designers heeded the call to showcase their stunning creations, with some designers set to feature custom-made outfits suited to the theme of the show. The participating designers include Pregasen Govender (Pregzo Designs), Ndumiso Madonsela (BEeZ Couture), Sarojini Moodley (Khyris), Warren Morck (MorQ Couture), Yvette Frida (Frida Designs), Albert Mazibuko (Ezdras), Nishthi Sewnath (overall winner of the 2016 DUT graduation fashion show), and Nevadni Sewnath (winner of the best range at the 2016 DUT graduation fashion show). Fashion and food photographer, Colene Storm, a former model who ran her own modelling agency in the past, has volunteered her expertise for the event and she will also model on the day.
Singh said that life is about surviving day-to-day: “From high-powered executives, to single parents and struggling students, everyone has a struggle in their life and we all mentally fight our challenges to survive day after day. We are all survivors, in some way, and this event is a chance to celebrate this.”
The fundraiser will also be the perfect platform to welcome the officers of Marshall Security, who have committed to offering their services as a reaction unit to Animal RAID. Managing director, Tyron Powell, and his team of officers will be officially introduced to the public at this event.
“We are really excited to welcome Tyron Powell and his incredible team from Marshall Security,” said Singh. “On hearing about Animal RAID and the type of rescues we are focusing on, Tyron immediately agreed to support our cause and his team will form the third reaction unit that will assist us in our animal rescues.”
Supporters of the ‘Pit Passion with Fashion’ fundraiser are encouraged to dress according to the ‘Survivor’ theme because the best dressed couple will be invited to also walk the catwalk. The cost is R150 per ticket; please email info@pawfectnation.org.za for more details and to book your ticket/s.
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