The Sophia Foundation seeks out initiatives where our contribution can add the most transformative value and achieve the greatest impact. A long-term concern of The Sophia Foundation is the critical state of the welfare of domestic animals in South Africa.  It was only when we met Stephanie Jackson, the founder of Watershed and heard about the amazing work that she and her small team were doing that we felt we could confidently collaborate with an organisation that was making a difference. We started partnering Watershed in 2020 and they remain our anchor project for our Animal Anti-Cruelty, Welfare and Wellbeing Pillar. 

Watershed’s focus is to do outreach work and sterilizations in the more neglected areas in and around the Western Cape and to support existing organisations that do not have the funds to meet the animal welfare needs in their communities. The Sophia Foundation’s funding enables regular focused outreaches to particularly impoverished areas such that the impact of on-going sterilizations and community education on the welfare of animals in these areas can be monitored.

Stephne writes: " Animal welfare and wellbeing in poverty stricken and neglected areas poses an ongoing challenge, as there is a continuous need for basic support. Our targeted on-going sterilisation interventions over the years where we provide vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea treatment as well as any necessary veterinary care for all sterilised animals are beginning to have an impact and we are starting to see improvements in the condition of animals in the areas we serve – a true reward for our efforts!”

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In addition, Watershed operates feeding schemes and assists other welfare organisations with monthly food donations. They are also deeply proactive in terms of rehabilitation, rehoming and adoptions all over South Africa – further broadening their reach and impact

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Contact: Stephne Jackson