George SPCA’s ‘Prisoners’ Raise R229,177 for Animals in Need!

George did not know what hit it on 13 February. More than a dozen of the town’s most trusted faces were locked up…for love.

George, South Africa (17 February 2026) – On Friday last week, the George SPCA teamed up with the Southern Civil Defence Force (SCDF) for their ‘Locked Up for Love’ fundraiser.

The Garden Route town’s most recognisable faces (and voices) were ‘arrested’ and hauled off in security vehicles until they raised bail money for animals in need.

It became a spectacle that relied on the community to follow along, show up at the SPCA, and help their favourite ‘prisoners’ buy their freedom.

Each participating local had to raise R10,000 bail while locked up in SPCA kennels.

And so, they turned to their communities of friends, clients, listeners, and followers, and asked them to back the animals by backing them.

The who’s who of George participated. Among them were Kristy Kolberg from the George Herald, Simon from Algoa FM, Wilna from Wilna Allpass Makeup and Hair, Christine from Skinstitute, Clive Wray from Rayten, Andi McDonald (GRSPCA Chairperson), Marelize Earle (2025 Mrs Classique Globe South Africa), Garth van Tonder from KIA, Jeremy Gibbs from 101 Meade Restaurant, Shawn Northey from Action Coach, Phiwe Bomvu from DotSure, Gert Niehaus from AVBOB, LC from Earle Design, Joan from Vitant, Sean Snyman and the ever-energetic Lekker Nikki.

Each of them agreed to be carted around town in good humour. When the dust settled and locks loosened, the fundraiser had brought in an incredible R229,177!

That amount will go directly toward caring for animals at the SPCA. It covers food, medical treatment, shelter and the everyday costs involved with running the shelter which has operated in the town for almost 80 years.

A huge part of the day’s success came from SCDF, who brought their vehicles, handcuffs and manpower on board, but also covered their own operational costs to make the fundraiser possible.

The monthly costs of running an SPCA are staggering, and without support, it would be insurmountable.

“Every town deserves an SPCA, because without one, there is no organisation legally mandated to step in when animals suffer. But this work comes at a cost. It takes over R1.5 million every month to keep our doors open. Every rescue, every sterilisation, every investigation, every adoption, it’s only possible because of community support. The animals of the Garden Route need us and we cannot be here for them without you,” the SPCA shares on its website.

That’s why fundraisers like this one set a wonderful example. When people are involved and enjoying themselves, they’re far more likely to show up and support a worthy cause.

Sources: Linked above.

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