NPO in desperate need of assistance
As a last-ditch effort, Dee is looking for a sponsor or an investor who can buy the property on behalf of the sanctuary and be paid off as funds come in.
With two months left for the deadline to raise R1-million, Brainy Birds Parrot Rescue and Rehabilitation has found itself in a desperate situation.
Without the much-needed funds, the hundreds of abandoned, abused and neglected birds which call the sanctuary home will have nowhere else to go to.
Founder of the NPO Dee Hendrickx said the organisation needs money to buy the property it is renting.
She said since the sanctuary started raising funds it has accumulated 10 per cent (R100 000) of what was needed.
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The funds were raised by attending local markets and hosting events such as the Halloween event that will be hosted by the sanctuary at the end of October.
“I have tried applying for bonds at banks but we will not get one in the name of the sanctuary as it is an NPO and there is no stable income.”
She said the organisation was previously offered land in Witbank and Kempton Park, but to move the birds and structures would exceed R1-m.
“It would also put unnecessary stress on the already traumatised birds,” said Dee.
Dee believes moving the aviaries and the birdhouses would cost more than the amount needed to purchase the property.
“I live in Edenvale, so, ideally, the sanctuary is right here in case anything goes wrong.”
Dee said the Brainy Birds team has invested and improved the property over time and hopes to continue doing so.
She explained because the NPO does not own the property many of the plans have not been implemented.
“Once we buy the property it will be registered in the sanctuary’s name, which will allow us to obtain the necessary licence.”
By registering the NPO, Dee hopes to prevent the land from being developed and leaving the birds homeless.
Once the organisation has its licence, Dee hopes to open a small coffee shop and educational facility for the community.
She also hopes to have guided tours at the property which will assist in generating an income and educating the community.
“I would also like to open a small exotic bird clinic and give back to the community where I can.
“The community has helped us so many times so I also want to be able to help them and their birds.”
Dee believes if the R1-m is not raised it will mean the end of the sanctuary.
As a last-ditch effort, Dee is looking for a sponsor or an investor who can buy the property on behalf of the sanctuary and be paid off as funds come in.
“We are one of the only rehabilitation centres for parrots and exotic birds in the country,” said Dee.
“If we did not exist, I would hate to think about what would have happened to these birds. For many of them, we are their last chance.”
To assist the sanctuary with donations, visit www.brainybirds.co.za
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