The West Rand Pet and Bird Farm has recently launched an initiative to help those who are addicted to any form of substance.
One of the owners of the pet and bird farm, Garry Saunders said the aim of the initiative is to help, uplift and enrich the community. He said the first task of this project is to assist Helping Hand who in turn is supporting Fremar, a South African branch of an international organisation called Remar, a non-profit organisation that helps all kinds of people living on the margin on society.
According to Saunders, Fremar is also one of the only organisations in South Africa that is free of charge to drug addicts needing rehabilitation. “Because of limited resources, Fremar has incurred a long waiting list of people needing help that they can no longer facilitate,” Saunders said and added that drug addicts cannot afford to pay for other rehabilitations programmes and they are forced to stay on the street for many months before Fremar is able to cater for them.
“This is a reality that many of us do not experience of realise,” Saunders said. “There are so few people helping others that really need it, mostly people who were once in that situation themselves who know what it’s like to be in major need without the help or provision that we take for granted,” said Saunders.
He said Fremar has expressed a dire need for any items that the community could donate, which will go directly back into the community. “As a result of this great need and an appreciation for what Fremar is doing in our community, the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm’s Helping Hand Initiative is asking the community to donate any food, unwanted clothing, toys, blankets, household appliances or anything that might help this cause. Please bring any items that you can to their shop at 47 Main Reef, Princess, Roodepoort and you will receive a free pen (while stocks last) to say thank you for your contribution.”
Since 1998, Remar started working with drug addicts, the elderly, alcoholics, prostitutes, the jobless without marketable skills and many who are simply starving. Fremar helps the people in its care to learn working skills and experience, so that they can find work and become contributing members in the South African society.
Find out about The West Rand Pet and Bird Farm’s projects on Facebook on their website (www.westrandpet.co.za) or call them on 011 760 9030.
