Dear SANCCOB Partners

Since the start of the pandemic spreading across South Africa in March, we have been under varying levels of lockdown, made it through the predicted peaks of infection to date and faced many adversities. There have been impacts on lives and livelihoods and sadly, we all know someone who has or is still in turmoil; from our SANCCOB family to yours, we extend our wishes for recovery from every way that you and your loved ones have been affected. Covid-19 will have its place in our history but so will we in our fight against it.
 
At SANCCOB we had to significantly decrease the amount of staff and volunteers working at the centres to minimise the risk of infection and with closing our doors to visitors we have suffered the loss of income derived from tour groups, as well as on-site shop sales. Understandably, funding we rely on also decreased as our benefactors experienced their own challenges due to ceased operations. What has and will not fade is our commitment to provide the best veterinary and rehabilitative care for our seabird patients; their welfare is our top priority and we have been able to continue our essential service.
 
We are pleased that all staff will be returning to the office soon and we will persevere in the months ahead. To make up for the missed opportunities to interact face to face, we have taken the latest approach of hosting more online events and virtual fundraising initiatives and it has been a privilege to still be able to engage with supporters around the world. In this newsletter you will find opportunities to join us online in the weeks ahead and to partner with us in fundraising campaigns. As always, we are grateful for the support thus far.
 

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Open for daily tours

We've reopened for tours at our Table View centre and invite you to book your visit with our Education Department. Some temporary restrictions have been implemented to ensure social distancing and the on-site shop will only be accessible to tour groups. We can accommodate four tours per day on weekdays and three on each weekend day, permitting no more than six individuals per family group. Booking is essential so please get in touch with Alex@sanccob.co.za or call 021 557 6155. Remember that masks are compulsory and Covid-19 screening protocols will be adhered to. Tour costs are R60 for adults, R50 for children under 12yrs, and R40 for senior citizens.
 
Webinars

• We have rescheduled our webinar on “What is Offshore Ship-To-Ship Bunkering and how has it impacted South Africa's seabirds so far?” for Wednesday, 23 September at 7pm GMT+2. Nicky Stander will discuss the practices of offshore refuelling of vessels in Algoa Bay, the advantages and disadvantages and why it's likely that ship-to-ship bunkering will increase in the future. Nicky will examine why bunkering is an inherently risky operation and the threat it poses to seabirds in an ecologically sensitive area, using the MV Chrysanthi S oil spill (2019) as a case study. Register here to join via Zoom.
• Dr David Roberts will present “Part 2 of Interesting Veterinary Cases at SANCCOB” on Wednesday, 30 September at 7pm GMT+2. David will discuss more of the interesting cases that we have seen, and the veterinary treatment provided. A variety of seabirds are admitted each year; over 2,000 seabirds of which 50% are African penguins and each seabird patient is placed on an individual treatment plan. Whether wing fractures, broken legs or severe lacerations, David has seen them all and will share insight on the surgical procedures and rehabilitation regimes that have led to the successful release of birds admitted. Register here to join via Zoom.

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Upcoming Events
 

• Show your solidarity and join our 5km Virtual Penguin Runon South Africa's Heritage Day, 24 September 2020. Purchase a R50 entry to run, walk or waddle a 5km distance on 24 September wherever you are in the world. Tickets available here from Quicket. If you're bold to participate in a penguin-themed outfit then tag our Facebook Page with #SanccobPenguinRun and you might be the recipient of a surprise gift but either way, participate any way you like! If you're looking for SANCCOB and penguin-themed merchandise then visit our online shop and we'll ship to you anywhere in the world.

• Watch our online celebration of African Penguin Awareness Day on Saturday, 10 October at 10am as we feature an exclusive video of releasing rehabilitated African penguins on our Facebook Page. We won't be able to host the annual festival event this year but that won't stop us from celebrating this special day dedicated to this iconic species. You can support our efforts by making a donation toward African penguin and seabird conservation and your contribution will go towards veterinary care, specialised rehabilitation and the purchase of fish to feed the birds in our care. So set your reminder to log on and watch as boxes are tipped at a Cape Town beach to set a number of penguins free after weeks of treatment and care. Our CEO, Dr Stephen van der Spuy, will share an address on the status of the species, and South African comedian, Nik Rabinowitz, will be our esteemed master of ceremonies.

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CAF America reminder for US donations

SANCCOB is now listed on Charities Aid Foundation of America's charity database so donors are able to make tax-effective gifts to CAF America with SANCCOB as the grant recipient. Download the gift form here and then donate directly via CAF America. Contact Zainab Mouton at zainab@sanccob.co.za for further information. 
 

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Annual General Meeting Online

SANCCOB's Annual General Meeting will take place online via Zoom this year on Thursday, 22 October at 7pm GMT+2. Each year we share highlights of the financial year passed and in 2020 you can be a part of this annual gathering from the comfort of your home or office space, wherever you are. We will certainly miss not being able to see you all face to face but it's understandably not possible due to Covid-19 circumstances.
As always, we look forward to telling you all about the year's achievements, progress in projects underway and how your support and compassion has helped us save seabird lives.
Join us by registering here.
 

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National Wills Week

Leaving a gift in your Will to a charitable organisation like SANCCOB is tax deductible and may lead to a reduction in estate duty tax. During South Africa's National Wills Week from 26 to 30 October 2020, you can have a basic Will drafted at no cost at participating attorneys nationwide. If you wish to leave a bequest to SANCCOB or have already done so then please connect with Zainab Mouton at zainab@sanccob.co.za to share your intention. Our full legal name is the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, and while we know this is a private matter, we would love to personally share our appreciation with you and plan how your gift will be used.
 

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Coming soon…

Thanks to the sponsorship of artists, art collectors and SANCCOB supporters, we will host an online auction in the weeks ahead. We will share the details with you shortly and will be posting auction items for online bidding on our social media platforms.
 

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Get Involved

There are many ways that you can make an impact and get involved to support SANCCOB:

• We have new merchandise available at our Online Shop and you can find the perfect penguin-themed treat for yourself or loved ones.
• You can Adopt and name a penguin or egg online and receive your certificate of adoption immediately via email. You may also nominate a recipient to enjoy this popular gift.
• If you represent a trust or foundation, or group of companies, seeking an organisation such as ours to fund marine wildlife conservation or education then please contact Hedwich Tulp at hedwich@sanccob.co.za.
• Our wish list consists of items that, when donated, helps us reduce operational costs.
• Get in touch with Angela at volunteers@sanccob.co.za for volunteer and internship opportunities at our centres in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. We offer structured and mentored training programmes with a strong focus on skills development in the fields of animal science, husbandry and care, as well as welfare related fields. Downloadable application form here.
• Become a SANCCOB Member and add your voice to seabird conservation (special rates are offered for senior citizens).
• Start your own fundraising drive for SANCCOB on Backabuddy and set your target to encourage family and friends to help you meet it. You can also contribute to our own Backabuddy campaign for African Penguin Awareness.
• You can have up to three beneficiaries on your MySchool loyalty card and if you nominate SANCCOB then we will benefit from every swipe you make at participating retailers, with the latest addition of Builders to the list.

 

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As we approach the end of 2020, we will look to the future positively with new hope for 2021.
 
Stay safe!

From the SANCCOB Team