The grassroots rescue initiative Recycling for Animal Welfare (RAW) is gaining strong support from residents in Kempton Park, joining others across the East Rand to help save abandoned and injured animals.

Founded by Judy Knox and her partner John Ancill, the organisation has been turning glass and cardboard recycling into lifesaving veterinary care for animals in crisis.

Eight years ago, a freezing, limp puppy later named Paul arrived at Judy and John’s home in Marlands, Germiston.

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Severely ill and minutes from death, Paul was rushed to the vet and survived against all odds, battling Parvo, tick bite fever, and gastro. He became RAW’s first rescue and the inspiration behind the organisation’s mission.

Paul passed away on July 18 from liver cancer, but his legacy continues in every animal RAW helps today.

Since 2017, Judy and John have collected glass and cardboard across Germiston, Boksburg, Benoni, Edenvale, Kempton Park, and surrounding areas.

With their small Hyundai i10 filled to the roof each week, they have recycled more than 750 tons of glass and 75 tons of cardboard.

Every cent earned goes directly toward sterilisations, vaccinations, emergency treatment, and rehabilitation, with the help of a small team including Monique and Patrick, lovingly known as “G-Dad.”

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Recycling alone brings in very little, about R1 200 every two to three weeks, while weekly vet bills now exceed R50 000. To bridge this gap, RAW has launched a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign to supplement their efforts and ensure no animal is turned away. So far, nearly R10 000 has been raised from 18 donors.

The BackaBuddy campaign is dedicated to Paul, the puppy who inspired RAW’s mission. Judy and John hope monthly supporters will continue Paul’s legacy, giving abandoned animals the second chance he fought for.

RAW urges the public, including the growing number of supporters in Kempton Park, to help keep Paul’s legacy alive. You can assist by making a once-off donation or becoming a monthly supporter, the most effective way to ensure RAW never has to say “no” to an animal in crisis.

“Every rand goes straight to the animals, their treatment, their healing, their safety,” Judy said. “We will never stop recycling. This campaign simply helps us bridge the gap so we can keep saving lives, just like we saved Paul.”

To donate, visit www.backabuddy.co.za and search: Support Recycling for Animal Welfare.

FOR ONLINE ONLY
Support RAW here: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/support-recycling-for-animal-welfare