HOT Cares Takes Up Ira’s Pet Food Challenge and Makes Sizeable Donation to Worthy Cause

It’s really special to see the spirit of giving and prioritising the needs of others instilled at a young age and that’s the essence of the email that reached Hot Cares from a member of the Weltevreden Park community.

It went on to tell us the inspiring story of nine-year-old Ira.

“She’s a charming little girl with a very big heart,” said the mail. “At such a young age she has a strong sense of community and a desire to give to those less fortunate.”

Last year, in honour of a Weltevreden Park community leader’s birthday, Ira ran a soup collection for a local food bank and collected 2000 packets of soup, earning herself the nickname ‘Soupa Ira’ in the process.

Now she’s aiming to collect 1100 cans of pet food in celebration of her 10th birthday and her dog Eddy’s 11th birthday – both in August – with the collection set to run until September.

All cans collected will be donated to Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW) in Roodepoort, a non-profit organisation that takes care of animals in need. CLAW looks after homeless animals and provides free vet treatment and pet food for cats and dogs in poor communities.

“It is so important that we encourage this young girl’s desire to help others and show her how communities and people can pull together to support not only each other, but people and animals in need,” said the email.

Hot Cares couldn’t agree more and that’s why we got the Big Joburg Drive team of Tony, Tara and Dylan to give young Ira and her dad, Mohil, a call on HOT 102.7FM, to see if there was some way we could help.

Ira stole the show.

“I thought all about helping feed people,” she said. “Then I thought about their pets. They didn’t get anything for their tummies. How does a dog drink soup? So, I got an idea! I thought, why can’t I collect pet food?”

It’s called ‘Ira’s Pet Food Challenge’.

“Let’s be their voice and help feed 1100 hungry dogs and cats,” said Ira. “My wish for my 10th birthday is to reach my target and you are welcome to drop off donations at the Roodepoort Record/Northsider’s offices in Witpoortjie or the Weltevreden Park Library. Thank you for your support!”

So, how is Hot Cares helping?

We’ll be giving Ira R5000 worth of pet food towards her very worthy cause. Our listeners can also reach out to Hot Cares regarding donations and delivery, if they would like to participate.

Similarly, if you are a prospective partner of Hot Cares, or if you are in a position to donate towards making a meaningful difference, or have a story to alert us to, or a programme you’d like to partner with Hot Cares on, please get in touch with us by emailing info@hotcares.co.za.