“A major objective of the project is to provide an ongoing and focused effort to sterilise the animals,” said founder of the organisation, Cassandra Barbosa.
“We bring animals in weekly to our partner Vet Clinic and we also stage mass sterilisation campaigns by using school premises in Etwatwa to set up a clinic for the day to sterilise, vaccinate and treat the animals.
“We have another upcoming sterilisation day planned for August 28.”
To date, Alps has sterilised almost 700 dogs.
“Swing” in the name Alps, was the name of the first dog which was helped by the non-profit organisation on January 1, 2012.
The project was established to uplift the lives on animals in the eastern-most impoverished area of the Etwatwa townships.
“We focus on educating the community in basic pet care and animal husbandry thereby enabling them to look after their animals in a responsible and caring way,” Barbosa said.
“We have discovered that very often the perceived ‘cruelty’ cases are due to lack of knowledge and the correct resources.
“We equip the owners with the basic know-how so they are able to look after their animals’ well-being.”
The NPO has no dedicated premises because they prefer working directly with the community and their animals in the township.
Amidst the campaigns held by the organisation, they also have sterilisation campaigns, and give the community access to all veterinary services which is further complemented by a monthly feeding programme for the community’s dogs and cats.
Apart from educating animal lovers, Alps also provides a support system to the community.
Alps consists of three core members and volunteers, but all assistants in the organisation have full time jobs elsewhere.
On average, they aim to help four animals a week.
Barbosa encouraged members of the community to assist this project in any way possible.
“From volunteering their time, financial donations (nothing is too small and it all adds up), food for the animals monthly, pet supplies, donations for our sterilisation days and so on,” Barbosa added.
“We have a vision for the future of a community which is educated and empowered in looking after the animals they love,” Barbosa said.
Alps can also be followed and liked on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
To find out more about the charity golf day, contact the Benoni City Times office on 011 425 0164.
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