Pam Golding Properties Namibia handed over a cheque of N$117 000 to Have a Heart recently following a successful fundraising initiative held earlier in August.
The cheque handover took place at Natura Garden Centre in Swakopmund, where representatives of Pam Golding Properties and Have a Heart gathered to mark the success of this year’s fundraising effort. The funds were raised through the annual PGP Namibia Potjie competition, which this year formed part of Pam Golding Properties’ 50th anniversary celebrations.
The event, themed “Potte of the Decades – 1976 to 2026”, saw 21 teams competing while raising funds for Have a Heart. Through Pam Golding Properties’ Heart of Gold Trust initiative, Have a Heart has been selected as PGP Namibia’s charity of choice. The organisation provides free sterilisation, vaccinations and essential veterinary care to dogs and cats belonging to low- and no-income families across Namibia.
Pam Golding Properties Namibia COO Willem Fourie said the Heart of Gold initiative is driven by community fundraising and that the company was pleased to hand over the funds to Have a Heart. “Today is a very special day for us. We have our Heart of Gold initiative, which is a community-driven charity that we run,” Fourie said. He added that the fundraising initiative, which has been running in partnership with Have a Heart since 2025, forms part of the company’s efforts to support causes within the community.
The fundraising did not end with the potjie competition. PGP Namibia also assisted Have a Heart with the sale of raffle tickets and helped secure prizes from local businesses and individuals. Almost 3 000 raffle tickets were sold, while the raffle featured 63 prizes, with strong support from sponsors and members of the community. The N$117 000 raised this year represents an increase of N$37 000 compared with the N$80 000 raised in 2025. Have a Heart representative Helene van Rooijen expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with Pam Golding Properties, which began after the company approached the organisation with the fundraising initiative last year. “Our mission is to spay and neuter cats and dogs in low- and low-income communities,” van Rooijen said. She said the success of the first fundraising event encouraged the two organisations to establish a long-term relationship and continue the initiative annually. “This year was even a bigger success than last year. So we’re going forward with a lot of big plans for next year,” van Rooijen said. Van Rooijen also thanked the coastal community, sponsors and Natura Garden Centre for their support and for hosting the event, saying the response demonstrated the willingness of residents and businesses to contribute to the organisation’s work. “It’s just mind-blowing how the people gave and opened their hearts and their pockets,” she said. According to Have a Heart, the organisation has sterilised 30 000 animals since its inception.
The N$117 000 raised through this year’s initiative will allow a further 140 animals to receive assistance. The funds will help provide veterinary care and sterilisation services to animals belonging to families who may otherwise not be able to afford such services. For Pam Golding Properties Namibia, the fundraising initiative has also strengthened its ongoing relationship with Have a Heart.
Fourie said the company looks forward to maintaining the partnership and building on the initiative in the years ahead. The successful fundraiser demonstrates how local businesses, residents, sponsors and community organisations can work together to support animal welfare in Namibia.
By Sharlien Tjambari
