Adrian Kuschinski (53) has been involved with PAWS for Nigel for six years.
His charitable work includes helping stray animals with food and care, while also providing help to struggling animal owners by building dog and cat houses.
HERAUT went to find out more about Kuschinski’s work and his journey with animals.
“I was drinking heavily from a young age and I didn’t give much attention to my own Jack Russel,” he explained.
“About seven years ago, I decided to quit and that for me was a turning point in my life.
“The SPCA has always been my hero since I was young, and when I heard the statistics of animals on death row, I knew I had to help and make a change.
“A friend of mine, Sandra Low, was helping feral cats at the time and proposed that I help some of the animals in town.
“I then decided to dedicate my life to helping animals, mainly dogs, because there were just so many lost and roaming dogs in town.”
According to Kuschinski, his newfound project took a while to gain momentum and help from the public came in slowly but surely.
“One of my other friends, Chantelle du Plessis, helped me by making a banner for PAWS for Nigel,” he said.
“I use the banner every Saturday at the Nigel Super SPAR by placing a trolley with the banner in front of the SPAR and hope that community members would help by donating.
“This project means the world to me and in my eyes, animals can do no wrong.
“I will never forget the turning point of the project, which was when Marie and Koos van Vuuren, from the Paw Parlour shop in town, stopped at my home one day with bags of dog food.
“That provided me with the opportunity to help other dog owners in need.
“From there, the dog and cat food I collected at the Super SPAR every Saturday increased. It is such a blessing.”
Kuschinski explained that his project has grown over the years and he now receives constant calls and messages asking for help regarding lost and hungry animals.
“I always try to help where I can and even managed to form a group,” he explained.
“Many animal friends who I consider family would help me network, foster and find homes for animals in need.
“I feel so blessed with all the help I have received from the community and people who have joined forces to help me assist the Nigel SPCA,” Kuschinski said.
Kuschinski hopes to create awareness for animals in need, especially in schools and teach the younger generation about animal welfare.
He also hopes to continue to assist the Nigel SPCA in its mission to protect and care for animals.
“Remember to adopt and please continue supporting the Nigel SPCA and PAWS for Nigel project.
“I have many fun competitions planned to help grow the project,” Kuschinski concluded.
For more information, contact Kuschinski on 078 607 2318 or the Nigel SPCA on 084 485 7029.
