Two Penang animal rescue groups will hold a charity dinner and auction this month to raise money for the state’s stray cats and dogs.
The Paws Affair 2026 is organised by HaiwanKu Penang, founded by Lois Liew, and Anna Rescue, founded by Anna Ayuda. It will be held from 6pm on Sunday, Nov 15, at Seven Terraces Hotel in George Town, with tickets priced at RM300 a person or RM2,400 a table.
The evening opens with welcome drinks and talks on animal welfare and rescue work, including one by a veterinarian. At 7pm, guests move to Kebaya Dining Room for a Peranakan dinner with orchestral music, live performances and a T-shirt modelling showcase, followed by the main fundraising auction at 9pm.
Auction lots include a collector’s watch, jewellery, original oil paintings, beauty treatments, sunglasses, cookware and tableware, as well as kebaya outfits with headpieces for cats and dogs designed by Malaysian fashion designer Melinda Looi. Lucky draw prizes include meals at Daily Dose Cafe and Kebaya Dining Room, and a RM100 Mews Cafe voucher.
Proceeds will go towards rescue operations, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, food and shelter, and neutering and spaying, including HaiwanKu’s trap-neuter-return programme. The organisers say rescued animals can need weeks or months of care, and that treatment, recovery and neutering are costly.
Anna said rescuing an animal is only the first step towards its healing and a loving home, and that every contribution helps a dog or cat get the care it needs. Liew said the event aims to turn sympathy into real help for animals that cannot speak for themselves. No fundraising target has been set, and those unable to attend can donate directly. Bookings can be made through HaiwanKu Penang’s Instagram page.