It’s been a hard year for the 4Paws Animal Shelter
RIVERSANDS – As the 4Paws Animal Shelter winds down after a particularly difficult year, they tell Fourways Review what items they hope to get under the Christmas tree for their animals.
It’s been a difficult year for the team at the 4Paws Animal Shelter, but you can brighten the end of their 2019 by donating towards their important work.
The shelter, which is located in the Riversands area, cares for about 300 cats and dogs (mostly cats) that are abandoned or strays, and does work in about three or four informal settlements helping animals in need. The financial pressures of running a non-profit organisation and a long struggle to get the necessary permissions to hand out Section 18A certificates have meant that this year has been a difficult year for the 4Paws team.
“It’s been a terrible year,” said Tammy Knepscheld, the shelter manager. “Everyone’s struggling right now which means we’ve received fewer donations and have almost had to close our doors a few times this year.
“Another struggle has been with Sars [South African Revenue Service]. We’ve been trying to set it up so that we can hand out Section 18A certificates to those who donate to us, but even with help from professionals it’s been an astronomical hurdle.”
Another hardship that the shelter had faced was a violent incident that occurred recently when a member of the 4Paws team was the victim of domestic violence on the grounds of the shelter, an experience that traumatised the whole team. Knepscheld was thankful though for all the people who do everything possible to help keep the shelter afloat.
“We’ve got some really loyal supporters. And if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to keep going – I am so thankful for our supporters, and so grateful for all the support and sacrifice.
“Thanks to a donation from Truvo who have given us tools and fencing materials. In January, we’ll push to replace all the fencing at the shelter. “We also want to fix up the second section of the catteries so that we can accommodate more animals.”
And what would the 4Paws team like to see under their Christmas tree in the form of donations from the public this year? Besides the usual needs (pet food, blankets, tick and flea treatment, toys, collars etc), the team is looking for donated jumble that can be sold in their second-hand shop to raise funds for the shelter.
“We take anything and everything – household appliances, clothing, jewelry, garden tools… if we can’t use it, we’ll get it to someone who can or sell it. Please donate whatever you have as long as it’s saleable and in a good condition.
“We’re able to collect donated goods on Fridays, and you can also drop off donations at 52 Pierneef Road in Witkoppen. You can also drop off items here up until we close for the end of the year, but please call me first to make sure I’m here.”
4Paws will be closing to the public on 20 December and will be open again in the new year. Volunteers and children who need to complete community outreach hours are welcome to contact the 4Paws team.
Details: www,4ourpaws.org.za; tammy@4ourpaws.org.za; 083 377 3219.
Did you give 4Paws Animal Shelter a Christmas present? Share your hand-over photos with the Fourways Review by emailing fourwaysr@caxton.co.za
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