KNYSNA NEWS - Each year, Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) publishes a calendar as part of its fundraising efforts.
The printing of the calendar is largely funded by the entry fees paid to enter a photograph – or many photographs – of pets into a photo competition, and by the generosity of local businesses who sponsor the calendar’s pages.
For the past four years, the competition was announced at the beginning of July, and this year everything was on track to do the same.
And then the fires… The mood was sombre and the calendar’s producers questioned whether it would be appropriate to go ahead.
Entering a fun photo competition was unlikely to rank high on people’s list of priorities.
But the calendar is a highlight in KAWS’ annual schedule, and inquiries started coming in to find out when the competition would be launched.
It was decided that the competition would go ahead, and that the 2018 calendar would be an extra special edition, a tribute to all the animals of Knysna – to those who perished or became misplaced, as well as the luckier ones who lived to wag their tails and do all the other things that animals do.
Jess Hall’s magnificent horse Kesh makes a proud appearance on one of the March pages.
The number of entries received bears testament to the spirit of optimism of the residents of Knysna and its surrounds.
More than 200 entries were received, once again giving the judges the unenviable task of whittling down the number to just 25 winners – two for each month and one for the cover.
Pride of place on the cover of the KAWS 2018 calendar is Penny Foyn’s beautiful photograph of a KAWS kitten, taken on a visit to the cattery some months ago.
The calendar’s pages are a feast for the eye, from coy puppies and dogs in action to contemplative cats and playful kittens.
The competition was open to include all pets, not just cats and dogs, and Jess Hall’s magnificent horse Kesh makes a proud appearance on one of the March pages.
Following the success of previous calendars, KAWS has increased the print run to ensure that everyone who wants a copy – or 10 – is able to find stock.
Despite inflation and increased printing costs, the selling price remains R100, making the calendar the ideal gift for all animal lovers – a gift with a heart.
The calendar is available at various outlets in Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay, including the KAWS Shop in Market Street and the KAWS kennels in Marlin Street, Hunters Home.
* A list of stockists is posted on the KAWS Facebook page where there is also an album of all the entries, and on www.knysnaaws.com. Info: 044 384 1603.
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