New wheels allow Edenvale Ferals to expand into Germiston
To determine how many cat traps would fit in the vehicles he was test driving Christopher took measurements of the traps and compared them to the interior dimensions of the vehicles.
A recent donation of R200 000 from an anonymous donor allowed Edenvale Ferals to purchase a much-needed vehicle.
ALSO READ: Edenvale Ferals in need of a new vehicle
On August 5, the NPO bought its new set of wheels to assist it with the trapping, neutering and release of feral cats.
The vehicle will be used by volunteers to transport felines to veterinarians and back to their respective colonies to be released once they are sterilised.
The non-profit started the fundraising campaign in February for its new vehicle.
Previously, Kempton Park resident Christopher Mynhardt and a founder of Edenvale Ferals said the organisation’s former vehicle had become unreliable.
At the time Christopher said the van, which had transported thousands of cats since the NPC’s establishment, needed to be replaced.
He thanked the community for their support throughout the fundraising campaign and gave special thanks to the anonymous donor.
At the start of the fund-raising campaign community members were told they could look forward to several fundraising milestones.
ALSO READ: Edenvale Ferals continues to grow with community’s support
These included:
• Christopher wearing a catsuit and creating awareness about the NPC at the intersection of Van Riebeeck Avenue and Stoneridge Drive.
• Christopher playing the electric guitar on Linksfield Road Bridge while dressed in a catsuit.
• Christopher bungee jumping from the Orlando Towers.
Although a date still needs to be set for the activities, Christopher said he still intends to do them.
When the money from the donor was deposited in the NPC’s account Christopher said the reality of the situation did not strike him.
“Even after I had bought and paid for the car it didn’t hit me,” said Christopher.
“I think I only realised what we had achieved a few days afterwards.”
Before settling on a Volkswagen Caddy, Christopher said he test-drove several vehicles to ensure the best car would be bought for the job.
To determine how many cat traps would fit in the vehicles he was test driving, Christopher took measurements of the traps and compared them to the interior dimensions of the vehicles.
Christopher said the new vehicle can transport 27 cat traps.
ALSO READ: Edenvale Ferals group aim to educate community about cat colonies
Edenvale Feral’s Lauren Fox said one of the nice things about the vehicle is its back window and the fact that there is a divider separating the cats from the driver.
She said the divider will be useful in case a cat, being transported, escapes its cage.
“It has happened twice in the past where a cat being transported managed to get out of its cage,” said Chris.
The new van will also allow the NPC to conduct more mass sterilisations in partnership with a vet located in Wonderboom.
It will also allow Edenvale Ferals to transport large donations and move items to and from markets easier
Christopher explained that shortly before purchasing the vehicle Edenvale Ferals expanded its operations into the Germiston area.
He said the new vehicle has assisted the non-profit’s work in the area.
Christopher explained that on August 16 he trapped and recovered 27 cats from Germiston.
He said 26 cats were recovered from a property in Lambton and another one from a property in Wadeville.
Similarly, it has allowed the organisation to expand its work done around business parks in Elandsfontein, Jet Park and Spartan where it assists Kempton Park Ferals.
Speaking about Edenvale Ferals’ plans, Christopher said the NPC plans on taking on a few more colonies and sterilising the cats belonging to them.
Lauren said with kitten season on the way, the organisation will be preparing as much and as best as it can.
ALSO READ: Two kittens up for adoption
“At this stage, I think we are just going to try being better at what we do and keep on improving,” said Lauren.
Christopher encouraged community members to get their cats sterilised as soon as possible.
Highlighting the importance of sterilisation, Christopher said if a community member’s pet cat is pregnant and it gives birth in a public park the kittens may grow up without human contact.
“Growing up without human care the cats will become feral and they will also be unsterilised,” said Chris.
For more information about Edenvale Ferals visit its website or its Facebook page.
Also follow us on:
