AdminAnimal welfare organisations HaiwanKu and Anna Rescue will host a charity gala in George Town on Nov 15 to raise funds for the rescue, treatment and rehabilitation of stray and abandoned animals across Penang.
The event, titled The Paws Affair 2026 – An Evening of Bids, Dining & Giving, will take place at Seven Terraces Hotel, bringing together animal welfare supporters, businesses and members of the public for an evening of fundraising activities.
Proceeds from ticket sales, donations, a charity auction and lucky draw will support both organisations’ work, including emergency veterinary treatment, food and shelter, rehabilitation and spaying and neutering programmes.
The organisers said the initiative also aims to raise awareness of responsible animal welfare practices and encourage greater public involvement in addressing the challenges faced by stray animals.
HaiwanKu founder Lois Liew said the collaboration was intended to bring together people who shared a commitment to animal welfare.
“Every animal deserves love, compassion and a second chance at life. Through this collaboration, we hope to bring together people who share our passion and believe that even the smallest act of kindness can make a tremendous difference,” she said.
Fundraising through dining and charity auction
The programme will begin at 6pm with welcome drinks at the hotel’s Gallery, followed by speeches from the organisers and Chris Ong, owner of George Town Heritage Hotels.
A veterinarian will deliver a special talk, while a presentation on animal rescue will provide guests with an overview of the challenges involved in rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned animals.
Guests will then proceed to Kebaya Restaurant at 7pm for a Peranakan dinner accompanied by orchestral music, live performances and a T-shirt modelling showcase.
The charity auction, scheduled for 9pm, will feature items contributed by designers, artists, galleries and businesses.
Among the listed items are a prototype collectors’ watch designed by British watch designer Tom Bolt, designer kebaya outfits for cats and dogs by Malaysian designer Melinda Looi, handbags by designer Ariff Shukor and jewellery from Suen Jewellers.
The auction will also include original paintings by artists Meng Suai Yang from China and Thomas Powell from the United Kingdom, as well as tableware, cookware, batik handbags and other items.
A lucky draw will offer prizes including dining vouchers from Daily Dose Café, Kebaya Dining Room and Mews Café, alongside beauty treatments from Nail Chapter and Le Beau.
Supporting rescue and long-term prevention
Funds raised will contribute towards emergency veterinary care, animal rescue and rehabilitation, food, shelter and ongoing support for vulnerable animals.
The organisers also highlighted spaying and neutering as an important component of their work, helping to manage stray animal populations through humane and longer-term population control measures.
The initiative reflects the challenges faced by animal rescuers, who often require financial support to provide medical attention, temporary shelter and rehabilitation for animals in need.
Members of the public who are unable to attend the gala can also contribute through donations.
The event will be held on Sunday, Nov 15, from 6pm onwards at Seven Terraces Hotel, George Town. Tickets are priced at RM300 per person, while a table costs RM2,400. The dress code is cultural elegance.
For reservations, donations and sponsorship enquiries, the organisers can be contacted at 012-438 8373.
Donations can be made to Pertubuhan Haiwanku Pulau Pinang through Public Bank Berhad, account number 3245715021, using the reference ‘The Paws Affair’.
Maran Perianen
CJMY
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