Raise funds for SAPREC and have fun

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - With the success of the last quiz night in aid of SAPREC (Seabird and Penguin Rehabilitation Centre), the environmental conservation organisation Keep Fin Alive is once again hosting a charity quiz at the Cork and Plunger restaurant in Marsh Street.

The co-host is Go Dive Mossel Bay.

At only R20 entry fee per person, come along and support the charity on Wednesday, 26 February from 18:30, at the Cork and Plunger, 38 Marsh Street.

Not only are these nights fun for locals and visitors, with great prizes to be won, but they raise vital funds to help care for the birds in need at SAPREC.

Keep Fin Alive founder, Esther Jacobs, said: "We had a lot of fun at the first Cork and Plunger quiz night. Lots of people walked away with amazing prizes, while enjoying themselves with friends in a great atmosphere. Added to that is the feel-good factor, because you're helping such a worthwhile cause."

SAPREC is celebrating its 15th birthday this year, so the night will be an extra special one. The charity has taken care of hundreds of injured, oiled and sick seabirds over the last 15 years, rehabilitating them, and getting them fighting fit for their return to the ocean.

In a handful of cases, the birds could not return to sea. These birds remain residents at the facility, where they have become renowned personalities.

From African penguins Granny, and her notoriety for mingling with the young males that arrive at the centre, to Hiccup, who loves attention and cuddles. Each resident has his or her own unique personality that owner Carol Walton, and the volunteers, have grown to know and love.

"My journey started in the 1990s, working with seabirds, especially our beautiful African penguin." said Carol.

"My dream came true when I had the opportunity to build SAPREC, 15 years ago. We have an amazing team, who are so passionate and driven to save the very endangered African Penguin, and all other seabirds."

Both the fulltime residents, and temporary care birds, require a lot of provisions. They eat dozens of sardines daily to stay healthy, and many need medicines. There is also the running costs of the facility and wages for the permanent staff. SAPREC desperately need funds to help stay afloat, and keep the centre going. With the nearest bird rehabilitation centre being almost four hours away, the birds really need a care facility to remain in Mossel Bay.

"Our interns had a great time helping out Keep Fin Alive with the previous quiz fundraiser for SAPREC." said Go Dive Mossel Bay's Natalie Poljacik.

"When the opportunity arose to do it again, they jumped in. We volunteer weekly at SAPREC, and our students have formed a close relationship with the staff and the penguins. We rarely see penguins during scuba dives, so love having the opportunity to spend time with them at the centre. Carol does a wonderful job with the charity, but can use the extra funds."

With prizes that include scuba diving courses with Go Dive Mossel Bay, cage diving with White Shark Africa, and vouchers for Cork and Plunger, it's not to be missed.

If you can't make it on the night, you can donate via the website, www.saprec.org, or buy them much-needed stock, such as:

Washing powder, dish washing liquid, pure citronella oil (not the one for lamps), peaceful sleep stick (not the spray), Doom (for mosquitoes), kitchen gloves – small, electrical tape, cable ties medium length, Milton and Karba dust (powder insecticide).

Keep up to date with local Keep Fin Alive hosted events: www.facebook.com/KeepFinAlive.

Carol Walton of SAPREC at work.