Join the festive cheer at the Christmas Pug Rescue fundraiser

The festive season is set to come alive with bright lights and fancy decorations for the fourth annual Christmas Pug Rescue fundraiser held in La Lucia.

Once again, the Singh family has made every effort to ensure their home shines bright, in helping Pug Rescue SA raise the crucial funds needed to help Pugs in need. The Singh family, who live in Glendining Court, have been spreading the spirit of Christmas for fourteen years by decorating their home with traditional Christmas decorations.

Over the last three years, the visits to their stunning display, which draws visitors from all over the country, have been dedicated to raising funds for Pug Rescue SA.

Father, Sunil Singh, began the tradition after being inspired by the beautifully decorated homes in Hillcrest. "I just marvelled at how beautiful the homes were, and began decorating our home. Over the years, it has grown, and now it is part of our fundraiser, doing what we can to help Pug Rescue SA," said Sunil.

"We do the same for Diwali too, but here we invite people to come view the decorations, walk through the displays, take pictures with our Pugs and give a donation if they want to."

The family’s love affair with Pugs began a few years ago, when daughter Tasmika decided she wanted a pup. "Since then, we have just fallen in love with Pugs, and through the years we have adopted rescued Pugs, have become involved with the work Pug Rescue SA does and now host this fundraiser. By the way, Sunil puts up the lights himself," added Mum, Ravitha Singh.

Since adding Pugsley Tupug to the family, the Singh family have added three more rescued Pugs: Pablo Escopug Singh, Pandora Puggy-Sue Singh, and Picasso Barker Singh. As a family, the Singh’s volunteer at Pug Rescue SA, assisting in heartbreaking cases found around KZN.

The Christmas fundraiser is now the region's premier fundraising event. "Some of the cases we have assisted Pug Rescue SA with are just heartbreaking. From Pugs being abandoned when owners move to Pugs being chained to trees, it just makes us more determined to help," said Sunil.

"We have found Pugs just left behind when people move houses. Sometimes owners are unable to care for the Pugs, and sometimes the owners pass on, and there is no one to take care of them."

Cheryl Gaw, the co-founder of Pug Rescue SA, explains that since December 2008, they have rescued close to 2,800 animals, including Pugs, other dogs, and cats. "On any given day, we can care for up to 220 rescues. We rescue Pugs throughout South Africa, although our sanctuary is in Benoni.

"Many of our rescues are aged and have health challenges; for these special Pugs, we offer a retirement section where their every need is catered to," said Gaw.

"The Christmas Wonderland presented in La Lucia is part of the numerous fundraising initiatives conducted by Pug Rescue to ensure a high standard of care for our rescues. Every fundraiser, every donation, ensures our sustainability, the food room is stocked, and the vet bills are paid," Gaw noted.

Residents are encouraged to donate any amount they wish at the Singhs’ home at 3 Glendining Court, La Lucia.

The lights will be on from 7pm to 9pm until December 28, weather and load-shedding permitting.