Feathered friends find a forever home
Still located on the same property it has been for the past several years the sanctuary purchased the property last December.
After much blood, sweat and tears Brainy Birds Parrot Rescue and Rehabilitation sanctuary has a property to call its forever home.
Still located on the same property it has been for the past several years the sanctuary purchased the property last December.
Founder of the sanctuary Dee Hendrickx said although she is extremely happy, the realisation of what was achieved has not set in yet.
“With everything that has been happening, volunteers on leave for the festive season and some self-isolating because of Covid-19, we are pretty busy and stressed so the realisation has not set in yet.”
During the festive season, 16 birds joined the Brainy Birds family.
Dee said three of them were Christmas presents which people no longer wanted, seven were left on pavements in boxes or cages and six were abandoned at properties by their owners.
“When I have a moment and everything calms down a bit, I am sure I am going to be screaming with joy from the rooftops.”
The organisation needed to raise R1-million before December 31 to purchase the property.
Dee said with the help of the community it was able to raise approximately R300 000.
The remainder of the funds was made up by taking loans.
Although the relevant departments at the banks were closed over the festive period, Dee received a letter from the former property owner, two days before Christmas, declaring the property belonged to the sanctuary.
“I would like to profusely thank the Mijon family for allowing me to buy this property and save the sanctuary and the birds.
“This will allow us to keep on doing our work.
“I also want to thank the community and the community stakeholders for all of their assistance during this journey, we made it!
“Without support from the community, this would not have been possible.”
She said with the sanctuary volunteers can save and assist countless abused, neglected or abandoned birds for the foreseeable future.
Dee added after transferring the necessary funds it felt as if a massive relief was lifted off her shoulders.
“It was a very emotional and stressful time for me.”
Looking to the future, Dee said there are several plans and projects in mind to improve the sanctuary.
She said some of the projects which she hopes to be built and/or incorporated, with the necessary approval, at the sanctuary include an aviary clinic and an educational facility.
Dee said a top priority for the sanctuary at the moment is fund-raising.
Going forward, funds raised by the sanctuary will be used to cover running costs, maintenance and veterinary bills.
In the hopes of generating a continuous income, the sanctuary opened its charity store last year.
Located at Unit 29 Aegean Heights, the charity store sells second-hand items and is always looking for items to sell.
Dee said she looks forward to working with the community.
“I wish everyone a blessed year and can’t wait to start working on making this property a forever home for the abused, neglected and abandoned feathered friends.”
Visit brainybirds.co.za or email deehendrickx@gmail.com for more information.
