Free Wildlife gets new sponsorship
KYALAMI – A new partnership between a local wildlife NPO and a well-known integrated facilities management provider set to bring brighter days for animals in rehabilitation.
Bidvest Services is a new sponsor for Friends of Free Wildlife as of September 1.
The company came on board when the Kyalami-based non-profit organisation completed its move to Cluny Farm 6 after the property they previously occupied was about to be sold by the owner.
The new sponsorship is expected to help build the new wildlife centre. To date, Bidvest Services had provided building, plumbing and electrical services as part of the first phase of converting part of an old dormitory on the property into an animal kitchen and temporary clinic. They have also sponsored the work of levelling and terracing fields to accommodate enclosures, and about 70 trees to provide adequate shade for the animal patients.
The non-profit organisation has since signed a five-year rental agreement with Cluny Farm with the understanding that both non-profits would subdivide the property to be purchased by the wildlife centre.
The CEO of the centre, Margi Bocklehurst, said their goal since the inception of the organisation five years ago was to establish a permanent rehabilitation centre that aided in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of urban wildlife. “We have the perfect site for that centre on the Cluny land, and are now most fortunate to have Bidvest Services to help us develop the property in the best way possible,” said Bocklehurst.
She added the new centre would allow them to meet the growing needs of the community and urban wildlife. She said it would also allow them to increase their educational and research roles and avoid the uncertainties of a rental property.
