Robert blown away by van donation
Local animal rescuer expresses his delight at his new car.
WHEN Ellysa Entwistle and Ashburne Vet put out an appeal to help repair animal rescuer, Robert Musawenkosi’s beaten up jalopy, they didn’t expect the incredible response from the community. The 53-year-old’s Musawenkosi Animal Care organisation sterilises cats and dogs in the impoverished areas and helps educate and protect the animals, however of late, his rescue work had taken a toll on his Nissan van, which he relied on for rescuing animals.
After reading the appeal in the Northglen News, Brian Mason, said he could not stand idly by and decided to help the Inanda resident out. Through his company, SGRP Meridian, Mason donated a Nissan bakkie, complete with signage to Robert.
“I was reading the paper and I said to my wife I wanted to make a difference. Robert’s story was truly inspirational and I thought this was a good cause and he was able to make a meaningful change. Initially, we thought of giving a donation, but then we decided to donate a bakkie to Robert. My wife and I love animals so it was a no-brainer for us. Seeing his emotions makes it all worth it,” he said.
Diane Best, practice manager of Ashburne Vet, thanked all those who donated to the cause.
“It’s lovely to see how happy Robert is, the funds donated into the account that we opened, will be used to provide ongoing support. More than R5 000 was raised by our clients, we are so happy people came out in support of Robert and his rescue organisation,” she said.
Ellysa Entwistle, who began the drive to fix Robert’s car said she was speechless.
“I didn’t expect this. When I got the phone call about the car, I was just blown away. It was hard to keep it a secret and not tell him. He deserves this and I’m very happy for him,” Entwistle said.
Robert, who initially looked bemused when the keys were handed over to him, broke out into a beaming smile when he found out the car was for him.
“I don’t have the words to express how grateful I am. Thank you to everybody who donated and this is going to change my life. Even now, it still hasn’t sunk in. I’d like to say again, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
