Pet farm to help addicts

The West Rand Pet and Bird Farm recently launched an initiative to help those who are addicted to any form of substance.

One of the owners of the pet and bird farm, Garry Saunders said the aim of the initiative is to help, uplift and enrich the community.

He said the first task in this project is to assist Helping Hand who in turn is supporting Fremar, the South African branch of an international organisation called Remar, a non-profit organisation that helps people living on the margin on society.

According to Saunders, Fremar is also one of the only organisations in South Africa that offers its services free of charge to drug addicts who need rehabilitation.

“Because of limited resources, Fremar has a long list of people needing help whom they no longer can facilitate.” He added drug addicts cannot afford other rehabilitation programmes and they are forced to stay on the streets for many months before Fremar is able to accommodate them.

“This is a reality many of us have no experience of,” Saunders said.

“So few people help others who really need it; most of those who do help once were in that situation themselves. They know what it’s like to be in dire need without the help or provision we take for granted,” said Saunders.

He said Fremar has expressed a desperate need for any items the community could donate, which will go directly back into the community.

“As a result of this great need and an appreciation for what Fremar is doing in our community, the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm’s Helping Hand Initiative is asking the community to donate any food, unwanted clothing, toys, blankets, household appliances or anything that might help this cause.

“Please bring any items that you can spare to their shop at 47 Main Reef, Princess, Roodepoort and you will receive a free pen (while stocks last) to say thank you for your contribution.”

Remar has been working with drug addicts, the elderly, alcoholics, prostitutes, the jobless without marketable skills and many who are starving since 1998. Fremar helps the people in its care to learn job skills and gain experience, so they can find jobs and become contributing members of the South African society.

Find out about The West Rand Pet and Bird Farm’s projects on Facebook and their website at www.westrandpet.co.za or call them on 011 760 9030.