Gallo Manor animal rescuer appeals for food and shelter donations
Nearly 80 feral cats and countless dogs rely on Ilona Gersun every day. Facing mounting costs and deteriorating kennels, she’s asking the community to help protect the animals who have no one else.
For nearly two decades, Ilona Gersun has quietly dedicated her life to caring for abandoned and feral animals across northern Johannesburg and beyond.
Based in Gallo Manor, Gersun is the founder of Save Our Cats and Canines, an animal charity that feeds and cares for vulnerable animals in suburbs including Sandown, Woodmead, Wendywood and Kelvin.
Every day, she feeds about 80 feral cats, with nearly 25 depending on her feeding station in Gallo Manor alone. Many of these cats were once completely feral but have since become tamer under her consistent care.
Gersun is now making a heartfelt appeal to the community to help her keep feeding and protecting the animals who depend on her.
Read more: Sandton SPCA launches urgent fundraising drive to support overburdened shelter
“I desperately need monthly donations for kennels, leashes, collars, but most importantly, cat and dog food donations.”
Gersun’s journey into caring for the animals began in 2016 when she and her husband found kittens at Morning Glen shopping centre in Gallo Manor. Concerned about how they were surviving and noticing the need for sterilisation, they began feeding and arranging vet care.
Today, the demand has outpaced what she can manage alone.
Her workload has recently increased. “I’ve just taken on a new colony in 171 Katherine Street, and there are 20 plus cats, and now I need even more cat food.”
But her compassion extends beyond suburban colonies. She also feeds cats and dogs in Alexandra, work she began nearly 20 years ago after encountering young boys walking their dogs and realising how little support was available.
@caxtonjoburgnorth Watch: Ilona Gersun, founder of Save Our Cats and Canines, is appealing for food, kennels and monthly sponsorships to help her continue feeding nearly 80 feral cats and supporting shelters in Johannesburg and beyond. Video: Xoliswa Zakwe #Sandton #sheltercat ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North
In addition, she supports a shelter in Klipgat in the North West Province, donating food and medication every month.
“The Klipgat shelter in the North West started about 15 to 20 years ago, and it has grown. There are many abandoned dogs, stray dogs and the man who runs the shelter for me feeds them. The shelter alone costs me about R10 000 to R15 000 per month, and that is the reason why I need dog and cat food sponsors or donations.”
Sterilisation is another part of her work. Gersun humanely traps feral cats using cages placed at feeding stations and transports them to her vet for sterilisation to prevent further overpopulation and suffering.
However, veterinary costs are high, and she welcomes donations paid directly into her vet’s account to assist with these procedures.
Also read: What are the admission requirements for government-funded shelters?
In addition to food and medical support, she urgently needs practical supplies.
Many of her wooden kennels are old and deteriorating.
“Some of the kennels that I have here are made of wood, and they are in the process of breaking, they are dilapidated. I put covers over to try and stop the rain from going inside the kennels, so I would appreciate donations of kennels to protect the animals.”
“These animals rely on us,” Gersun said. “Without food and sterilisation, the suffering just continues. I’m asking the community to please step in, whether it’s food, kennels, or becoming a monthly sponsor. Every bit helps.”
Details: contact Ilona Gersun on 0825635662 or igersun@gmail.com.
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