For most of us, the festive season brings a blur of dinners, parties, and gift-giving. But as beautiful as these traditions are, how often do they truly change lives?
One Johannesburg woman has found a way to take the joy of celebrating with friends and turn it into something deeply meaningful. For the past few years, Eloise Biggs has opened her home to her circle of friends for an intimate, magical Christmas party – but with a difference. Instead of exchanging gifts or bringing treats, guests contribute to raising much-needed funds for Kitty and Puppy Haven, a local animal rescue organisation that provides a safe refuge for abandoned, abused and neglected animals.
What began as a small gesture around Eloise’s dining table, with just ten friends sharing her home-cooked food, prosecco and cocktails, has blossomed into a tradition of “partying with a purpose.” Last year alone, the gathering raised an incredible R25 000, handed over personally to Kitty and Puppy Haven along with time spent cuddling the rescued animals.
Eloise is particularly fond of the “golden hearts” (the older animals), who are so often overlooked and has introduced a theme of ‘golden hearts, endless pawsibilities’.
“The sad reality,” she says, “is that thousands of animals are euthanised annually in SA shelters. 1 in 4 shelter pets are seniors but less than 5% of these golden hearts are adopted – in fact, senior dogs and cats very rarely find homes, if ever.
It is heart breaking that besides the animals being euthanised in shelters, there are also thousands of senior cats/dogs sitting in ‘no kill’ shelters who are sadly passing from illness or old age.” Then there is the ‘black dog and cat syndrome’. Many people are superstitious about black animals.”
But on the positive side, research shows that with any type of community fundraising, adoption rates increase by almost 300%. Monthly donations to the shelters still however remain the best way of sustaining these havens far beyond a onetime gift as they bring stability.”
Eloise’s journey began simply. “I wanted to gather the women in my life who had made a difference to me during the year and thank them with a festive get-together. Knowing they would bring gifts, I asked them instead to support Kitty and Puppy Haven’s wish list or make a donation. That small shift sparked something much bigger,” she says.
Kitty and Puppy Haven is particularly close to Eloise’s heart. “They started more than twenty years ago in the founder’s house in Bramley. I’d drive past their painted sign every day, and the word ‘haven’ always stayed with me. It’s such a peaceful, joyful word, and that’s exactly what they’ve created for animals who have nowhere else to go. Today they’ve grown, but the heart is the same: peace, joy, and second chances. With six adopted pets of my own, it feels deeply personal.”
The event has always been about more than fundraising. It’s about friendship, gratitude and giving back. “The laughter of friends reconnecting, the sparkle of prosecco glasses at sunset, the warmth of knowing we’re doing something meaningful together – those are the memories that stay with me,” she reflects. “And visiting Kitty and Puppy Haven afterwards is always emotional. I share photos and stories of the animals with everyone, so they feel part of the impact we’ve made together.”
Guests, she says, have embraced the idea wholeheartedly. “They’ve told me it feels far more meaningful to give to a cause than to add another candle or scarf to a shelf. It’s deepened our bond because we’re celebrating in a way that reflects our values.”
This year, Eloise is looking to expand the ripple. “I’d love to encourage everyone to host at least one party with a purpose during the year – whatever the cause that speaks to you. It doesn’t have to be grand. Imagine if each of us redirected even one celebration into something that raised funds or awareness. Collectively, that could make a huge difference.”
For Eloise, the true lesson of her journey has been about reframing the season. “Christmas is less about what’s under the tree and more about who’s around it, and what we can do together. Friendship is the root, generosity is the spirit, and giving back is the real celebration.”
Her message is simple: Why not make your next celebration one that changes lives?
You can follow Eloise on https://facebook.com/eloise.biggs or Instagram @eloisebiggs.
If you’d like to change a life and contribute to Kitty and Puppy Haven the details are as follows: Kitty and Puppy Haven, Nedbank, Sandton City, Cheque Account 1970845082, Branch code – 198765, Swift code – NEDSZAJJ using the reference ‘GoldenHearts’.
For any companies looking to donate the shelter is a registered NPC and PBO so will issue 18A Tax Certificates for all monetary donations.
