Yellowwood Spar assists non-profit to source donations for struggling pet owners

AS lockdown poses a threat to the economy with many families struggling to make ends meet, one organisation is going out of its way to ensure pets are also cared for.

Soon realising the need for the gap to be filled, directors of the local-based non-profit company, Yellowwood Montclair Animals (YMA), acted.

“We realised that during lockdown, most people couldn’t afford to feed their fur-babies while some animals were surrendered to the SPCA. We had many calls from people wanting to hand over their pets,” said one of the directors, Priya Naidoo.

The influx of calls made them realise how desperately donations and funds were needed. After being pointed in the right direction, they approached management at Yellowwood Park Spar and were allowed to have a dedicated trolley placed at the entrance.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without their help,” she exclaimed. “It has been absolutely amazing. We have been in tears at the generosity of the community who continues to give towards animals. Our trolley always has pet food in it. Ricky Hiller collects for us every week. God’s blessings to those who give.”

Priya, together with Juanita Reynen and Justin Stevens are the directors of the organisation and food is distributed on a weekly basis to those who ask for assistance.

“We check up on their needs and health of the pets as well. We mostly reach out to no income homes due to lockdown as well as pensioners. They have so much love to offer to rescue animals, but unfortunately cannot feed them. We want to continue assisting them every month.”

The self-confessed animal lover said their vet bill and running costs have increased during this period, but believes that once the local craft market runs again, they will be on better footing.

“Our vets, who I see as our superheroes, doctors Yesh and Omashni Govender, always go beyond the call of duty to assist us. I can’t stress how much they have helped us before lockdown and still continue. These doctors are just amazing. I’m very passionate when I speak about them because I’m yet to find humans with hearts like these,” she said.

She added that as a YMA warrior, she believes in being the change one wants to see in the world and that how one treats those who cannot help them reflects on one’s character.
“I’ve found comfort being around all animals since childhood. In this cruel world, we receive unconditional love from animals. So, I don’t rescue these animals, they have rescued me,” said Priya.

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