Dancers shimmy for shelter
For the past 14 years, a group of belly dancers has been raising money for various animal protection organisations.Sascha Olivier-Sampson from Moon Goddess Dance Studio in Windhoek is the woman behind Shimmy for Shelter, an initiative through which the group of talented women was able to raise N$32 310 for animal welfare this year.
"I decided to donate N$10 000 to the Triglav trust and N$20 000 to Have-a-Heart Namibia. With the rest of the money I will buy blankets and donate them to the SPCA in Windhoek."
Shimmy for Shelter has been held on the second weekend of May for the past 14 years.
"I started off with the SPCA because it was an organisation I knew well. Later I began doing research and started supporting a new organisation every year. Now there are so many that deserve support that I can't choose anymore. So, I put the names on a list and after the show they are chosen by a lucky draw."
In the past, the initiative has supported the SPCA in Windhoek, Namibia Dog Matters, The Cat Protection Society, Have-a-Heart Namibia, ISAP, Tierschutzverein Swakopmund, Walvis Bay's SPCA, Desert Lion Conservation and Elephant-Human Relations Aid (EHRA).
"All the money raised comes directly from ticket sales, which is why we are always so grateful to have a supportive audience. Our sponsors, such as the Delta Primary School who made the venue available, JayCee Entertainment and The Creative Agency who took the photos, make it possible for 100% of the profit made from ticket sales to be donated."
Shimmy for Shelter is part of World Belly Dance Day, an international day that celebrates the unique art of belly dancing.
"When I started Shimmy for Shelter, I knew I wanted to support an organisation that helps animals. People often want to help, but either don't know how, or perhaps think what they do won't make a difference. Through this event, we show people how important their role is and that, just by buying a ticket, they make a big difference. They can enjoy a night out while supporting a good cause at the same time.
"It was also a wonderful platform to see dance grow. Over the years we have had many different dancers and studios participate in the event, not only from Namibia, but also South Africa, Zambia and the USA. This is a perfect example of how wonderful it is when people work together and support each other. This year it was great that other dance studios, who do not practice belly dancing, joined us to work together and raise money. I like to have these events where people can work with each other rather than in isolation. I look forward to seeing Shimmy for Shelter grow every year.”
Over the years, Shimmy is Shelter was also offered in Swakopmund and for four years Sascha held another fundraiser called Helping Hips to raise money for the Cancer Association of Namibia (CAN).