Move to break cycle of dog abuse
Project Dog volunteers go into underprivileged areas and educate people about responsible dog ownership and care.
DESPITE having no experience as a cyclist, Glenhills resident, Roland Smith will cycle the Amashova Durban Classic Race on 20 October as he takes the place of his friend, Victor Azevedo who is recovering from an injury. The duo are appealing to the community to donate one or more bags of dog food to Project Dog as Smith tackles the long distance cycle race.
The pair, who relocated from Johannesburg, started their Facebook page, Reaching Out in 2010 as a way to rally behind various charities.
“Since moving to Durban, my time has been scarce due to work, so I thought, since I was planning to ride the Amashova, I could raise funds through that. Then, two and a half months ago, I injured myself while playing football. I tore three ligaments and one tendon in my knee. This will take time to heal, and I am not going to be able to ride next month,” said Azevedo who has raised funds for various charities while competing in the Amashova over the last few years.
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This is where Smith comes in to save the day and tackle the race in Azevedo’s place. The charity of choice this year is Project Dog, a charity founded by Quicha Morgado. La Lucia resident and Project Dog volunteer, Zelda Bezuidenhout said the project provides veterinary care, foster homes and then re-homes abused dogs, relying solely on donations from the public.
“We go into underprivileged areas and educate people about responsible dog ownership and care. We also feed dogs on a weekly basis and pay for dogs to be spayed,” she said.
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Another Project Dog volunteer, Fiona Langry said she was drawn to the project when she saw the need. “I have always been an animal lover. A few years ago, I got involved in dog outreach work in the Bufflesdraai area and I saw there was a need for animal rescuers to go out and help,” she said.
Community members who are keen to donate dog food toward the cause can arrange a pick up or drop off with Victor Azevedo by emailing vic22az@gmail.com or calling him on 083 266 5059 or with Roland Smith by calling him on 066 111 1488.
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