An expression of gratitude

Klarika (Nomsa) Nettleton of the Bloubosrand Community Forum and Bloubosand Animal Welfare Group writes:

DEAREST friends and most generous supporters, you are fully aware that all animals need our love, care and protection.

In the wild, animals can manage provided they are not interfered with by humans, which should never happen. Humans should humbly and respectfully live side by side with all of God’s creation.

But domesticated animals totally depend on us for everything. It is incomprehensible that animals are still subjected, on all fronts, to immense cruelty, abuse and exploitation. This is the root cause of increasing brutality among humans, [especially] child abuse – respect for life is almost non-existent. What is happening at our schools and universities is frightful.

I care for all animals and fight for their freedom – great and small – but concentrate on informal settlements, where I feed, care and counsel, teaching kids to become humane adults.

I regularly join Sergeant Mokwena of Douglasdale police, who helps transport goods to be handed out in informal settlements. He is highly respected by all. Together we create trust, goodwill and friendship, that’s exactly what we need in order to sort out problems and to create a humane society, which Madiba calls the greatest gift for South Africa.

For the sixth year now, the wonderful volunteer group Sava Animal Clinic comes monthly to treat animals. First in Cosmo City RDP, where I also work, and now in Kya Sand. All animals from disadvantaged areas are welcome.

For well over 15 years, the Broadacres Super Spar has supported most generously the Bloubosrand Animal Welfare Group, also known as the Ian Tarr Project. The Tarr family plus managers and staff are so kind and helpful, I cannot find words to express my gratitude. They had a collection box made which stands at the entrance to receive goods for animals. May God bless you richly.

Likewise, the Douglasdale Pick n Pay has also been, for almost as long, a wonderful supporter. My collection trolley stands permanently at the entrance, it was even approved by Mr Raymond Ackerman. I am also very grateful to store manager Gavin Nelson to allow me to be personally present regularly on certain weekends to explain to customers the plight of animals and where their donations are going. Everybody is welcome to join me, informal settlements are not dangerous but rather an inhumane environment for all feeling beings.

Olivedale Super Spar has also been most helpful for a long time.

I gladly accept gifts for kids and adults in need.

Without your consistent support and compassion, thousands of animals would suffer and starve.

Details: Klarika (Nomsa) 011 462 1445; klarika@telkomsa.net; www.klarika8.wix.com/bloubrandanimals

Ed note: This letter has been edited