For animal rescuers, saving a life is often only the beginning. Veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, shelter and ongoing care require resources that can stretch well beyond the initial rescue. Addressing the growing population of stray animals also calls for longer-term solutions, particularly accessible spaying and neutering programmes.
It is against this backdrop that HaiwanKu and Anna Rescue are joining forces for The Paws Affair 2026, a charity gala taking place on 15 November at Seven Terraces Hotel in George Town, Penang.
The initiative brings together animal welfare advocates, philanthropists and members of the creative community to support the organisations’ rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Beyond fundraising, it also seeks to encourage greater public awareness of responsible animal care and the challenges faced by those working on the ground.
Where Creativity Meets Compassion
Set within the heritage surroundings of Seven Terraces Hotel, the evening will bring together Peranakan dining, live entertainment and a charity auction featuring contributions from designers, artists and businesses.
Among the more unusual auction pieces is a Dunhill prototype collector’s watch designed by British watch specialist Tom Bolt. Malaysian fashion designer Melinda Looi has contributed specially designed kebaya ensembles for cats and dogs, while Ariff Shukor and Suen Jewellers are among those offering fashion and jewellery pieces.
Original artworks by Meng Suai Yang and Thomas Powell will also go under the hammer, alongside other contributions from the local creative and business communities.
The varied selection reflects an interesting intersection of design, collecting and philanthropy, where objects of personal interest can take on a purpose beyond their material value.
Guests will also hear from a veterinarian and learn more about the realities of animal rescue before gathering for dinner at Kebaya Restaurant.
Beyond A Single Evening
While the gala provides an opportunity to raise funds, its longer-term significance lies in supporting the less visible work of animal welfare.
Proceeds from ticket sales, donations and auction activities will contribute towards emergency veterinary treatment, rescue operations, rehabilitation, food and shelter, as well as spaying and neutering programmes.
The latter is particularly important. While rescuing individual animals addresses immediate suffering, sterilisation programmes offer a more sustainable and humane approach to managing stray populations.
“Every animal deserves love, compassion and a second chance at life,” says Lois Liew, founder of HaiwanKu. “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.”
Ultimately, The Paws Affair is as much about building a community of support as it is about raising money. For the animals and rescuers who depend on that support, the real impact will be measured long after the evening ends.
The Paws Affair 2026 takes place on Sunday, 15 November 2026, from 6pm at Seven Terraces Hotel, George Town, Penang. Tickets are priced at RM300 per person or RM2,400 per table. Donations can also be made directly to Pertubuhan Haiwanku Pulau Pinang (012-438 8373).
