Until you have really given of your heart, you truly have not yet lived. Not sure who said that, but there is something special about the give back.
unite
/juːˈnʌɪt/
verb
come or bring together for a common purpose or action.
“they called on the world to unite” 
The Giving is Living Initiative
And, when given the opportunity to be involved in this amazing love affair with animals and give back, we jumped at the chance.
Giving is Living is an initiative striving to protect and help those little beasties that cannot help themselves. Backed by the Equestrian Tack business, Savara, which started back in 2013, the love for animals, in general, was quite clear when they liaised with their clientele. The stories of horse and dog rescues came flooding in and it was clear there was a need.
Savara started setting up small volunteer events with clients. They visited various charities and helped out where they could, donating old tack so that these charities could raise funds for the abandoned horses and dogs.
This year will be Savara’s first Giving is Living major event, their Pieces for Paws Charity Art Auction. 3 organisations were chosen, Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Wolwerivier Outreach Work and SANCCOB. Savara started reaching out to local artists to donate, and before they knew it, they had received over 70 pieces of art (sculptures and paintings).
Further, to their surprise, they received donations from world-renowned artists such as Anton Smit, Richard Scott, JD Ross, Wilma Cruise, Tony de Freitas and other up and coming artists such as Tendai Dlamani, Frans Thoka, Themba Mkhangeli. To say the least, they were overwhelmed and inspired by the support.
One of the unique things about Mdzananda and Wolwerivier Outreach Work is that they involve the community that they help. As such, children from the townships volunteer and learn (through experiences with the animals) all about animal care. Because of this, Savara decided to get the children involved in the Art Auction and they set up Art Workshops. To date, they have hosted 2 in Cape Town, 1 in Khayelitsha at Mdzananda Animal Clinic and the other at Richard Scott’s house in Melkbosstrand with the children of Khayelitsha and Wolwerivier. Together with the artists, they made art from trash and these pieces (these unique collaborations) will be up for auction alongside the others.
How can you give back?
On the 16th of March, this Saturday, at the Atlantic Beach Country Club in Melkbosstrand, Cape Town, the next Pieces of Paws will be held. This will be an extravaganza art and experience auction, where you can hobnob with other animal and art enthusiasts. In addition, you will enjoy the talented mentalist and illusionist, Russell Fox, as well as live music, canapes, wine and Gin treats.
All you have to do is click through to Quicket and book your tickets.
Pull out that little black number and bow tie – this is going to be a fancy jol, people! And, of course, you get to give back!
For more info, simply go through to Giving is Living’s website or Facebook Page. And, to check out what stunning art will be on auction – link through here.
We look forward to seeing you there!
