24/04/2026
And that’s it—well, except for the promo video for Ingamu I still have to edit. Give me a break—I promise I’ll get to it.
But while we wait for that, I want to end off this year’s Welfare Day by thanking my team:
First, our outside volunteer photographers—my dear friends Klar and Nelani van Zyl, Shanelle and Gita Claasen; Shanelle, whom I had only met briefly a few times, and Gita, whom I met for the first time at the event—and most of all, Lee van Huysteen. While the rest of us were just a few feet away from shelter if the storm broke out, this brave lady remained at Eden Forest for the entirety of the event, handling most of the shoots involving dogs. We couldn’t take them to the new venue, but we also didn’t want to exclude our furry friends from an event that ultimately exists to support them - Lee made that possible.
Then my own team: Pyper Pringle, Natasha Louw, Tertius Gous, Jessica E’Silva, Lucille Scheepers, Sune Nel, Carla Lotter, Marizaan Jordaan, Morne Coetzee, and Mark Pym. Most of you have been doing this event with me for years now. I think we’ll all agree that this year came with some extra challenges, but when things took a turn and I asked for one or two of you to risk yourselves and your gear to finish the event with me at the original location, almost every single one of you stepped up. Even though I ultimately found a way to avoid it, I can't buy dedication like that, and I am eternally grateful.
I also want to give a special shout-out to Mark Pym, because most people probably didn’t even know he was volunteering this year. Just like Lee, he stayed at Eden the entire time, managing the skeleton crew I had on that side and handling the sign-ins. Thank you, my friend.
I also want to give another shout-out to Kristin Wicks andVredenheim Dierewerf & Roofdier park. At the last hour, Kristin—who had no incentive to do so—stepped up and offered to find us an indoor venue when it became clear the weather wasn’t going to cooperate. I’ll admit, I thought she was being optimistic thinking she’d find one, but she did, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Likewise, Annami at Vredenheim, who gave us use of their venue at the last second and at no cost—I truly cannot thank you enough for your generosity. I think we can all agree that without you two ladies, this year’s event would have ended very differently.
And then, as always, I need to end by thanking Pyper and Natasha—not just for the help they gave at the event, but especially for what they put in afterward. This year, we did 130 shoots, and every single one received more photos than expected. These two ladies managed that in under four days—in under four days. No words can fully describe how grateful I am to you both for your hard work, the little sleep you always get during this week, and your general selflessness. Most people don’t realize how much you put in every year, but please know that I do. As I always say, this event would never be possible without you.
And that’s it. Thank you again to all my team, our volunteers, Ingamu and their volunteers, and every person who took part. This year was touch-and-go for a while, and your patience and understanding meant the world to me—especially when things kept changing at the last moment.
Last year, there was some question about whether we’d be back for Year 6, but after this year, there’s no question that we’ll see you again for Year 7… maybe just not in April. April’s bad—never plan anything for April 😂
If you’d like to be informed early next year about when our 7th Annual Event will take place, feel free to WhatsApp me with your email address, and I’ll add you to our mailing list.
Until then, take care.
P.S.
I promise I did not ask to be Photoshopped into the photo, but thank you Pypie for the initiative :p
