JEFFREYS BAY – To raise much-needed funds for Humansdorp’s SPCA Assisi, the non-profit organisation will present the Whiskers Couture Fashion Show and Auction event featuring Feline Models on 22 November in Jeffreys Bay.
Louise Bakkes, chairperson of SPCA Assisi, said that the fashion show will showcase donated couture clothing across four categories: casual, formal, evening and bridal wear.
She said that all outfits are once-loved couture pieces that have been donated to SPCA Assisi.
Feline Models, led by CEO Philine van Niekerk, will participate in the show.
Van Niekerk’s modelling school was established in 2016 and is described as a premier institution dedicated to shaping confidence, elegance, and professional skills.
Van Niekerk, who holds multiple titles, including Miss Global SA 2024, Africa’s Representative at Miss Global International in the Cayman Islands 2024 and Miss Social Impact 2024, to name a few, started the first modelling school in Jeffreys Bay at age 19.
Bakkes said that the inspiration for the fashion show came from the fabulous couture donated to the society.
She said that Van Niekerk and her students, who are passionate about animals, took on the challenge of creating a memorable show.
“The funds raised at the event will support the construction of a standalone cattery, including construction costs, equipment such as cages and litter systems and initial running costs. This development will free up current kennels to accommodate more dogs,” said Bakkes.
She said that SPCA Assisi faces several challenges with their old, deteriorating facility, requiring constant repairs and maintenance.
“We currently house cats in dog kennels due to limited space, which restricts our capacity,” said Bakkes.
Founded in 1996 by Frank Richter, SPCA Assisi is one of over 80 SPCA societies in South Africa and the only one worldwide named after St Francis of Assisi.
Bakkes said that their mission focuses on protecting all animals, promoting humane treatment, and upholding the “five freedoms”: freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort, pain, injury and disease; freedom to express normal behaviour and freedom from fear and distress.
The Whiskers Couture Fashion Show and Auction will start at 17:00 at 44 Tulip Street, Jeffreys Bay.
Tickets cost R300.
The event will feature a cash bar, InFood buffet, auction registration, and lucky draws.
“Without community support, the SPCA’s ability to rescue, care for, and advocate for animals would be severely limited,” said Bakkes.
Since the venue accommodates 100 guests, she encourages early ticket purchase for the evening of “yesteryear couture, glamour, and gourmet snacks.”
The event will be hosted by MC Stephanie Baartman, a Kouga-born actress and singer known for her role as Bibi in “Getroud met Rugby.”
“For those unable to attend, there are alternative ways to support the organisation, which include donations, kennel sponsorship, sharing event information on social media, volunteering and adoption,” said Bakkes.
For more information, contact Louise Bakkes at 082 879 6509.
You must be logged in to post a comment.