POLOKWANE – The non-profit organisation helps find homes and foster homes for cats, as Sonica Fitz emphasises that fostering saves lives.
“We are not going to foster forever and know we need to build a shelter, however, for now we have angels in the form of foster homes. There are still so many people out there who would be perfect for this programme, but they might not know about the project. Those balls of wool come to fill your home and heart for the time they are with you. They have so much love to give you, which fills a void you never even knew you had,” Sonica explains.
Foster fails are her favourite.
“It is nice when people decide to keep the kittens they looked after. It is also nice when we, with the foster family, find the perfect home for the kittens. To see how they grow, find their voices and develop their personalities is so rewarding. This is one of the best things you will ever do,” she added.
Requirements to become a foster parent:
• Foster parents must be willing to provide basic needs such as litter, a litter tray, food, water bowls and toys.
• Medicine will be provided when needed.
• Foster parents must be willing to take the kitten to the doctor if any follow-up visits are scheduled. The vet bill will be provided for (only when treatment was approved).
• Your animals must be up-to-date with their vaccinations and parasite control.
• You must be able to provide a healthy and safe environment for the kittens, as well as be patient, loving and willing to spend time with the kittens to help build their social skills and characters.
• There must always be an open line of communication between The Charlie Project and the foster family.
Sonica and her dad make side tables with a cat face as an entrance. The side tables cost R550 each and a percentage of each item sold, goes to the project.
To become a foster mom or buy a table; call Sonica at 082 4361 1210 or Chantelle Watson at 072 807 7006.
Read more about The Charlie Project’s origin and what it entails in this week’s Polokwane Observer.