Charity shop a step closer to rescue centre dream

ANIMAL welfare organisation, 4 Paws and a Tale Rescue will open a charity shop in Thira Village, off the main road, 142 Scott Street, in Scottburgh on Tuesday, 1 November.

The registered ‘pro life’ NPO rescues and re-homes abandoned, abused and neglected animals in Scottburgh and surrounding areas, including Umkomaas.

They also feed, provide medical care and shelter for strays and animals in the local townships and underprivileged areas. The charity shop is being opened in the hopes of raising much-needed funds, similar to the organisation’s Tale End Charity Shop in Pahla Centre, Toti.

“We have waited a long time for this opportunity and are excited about our new shop. The number of animals in need of help has increased dramatically during the past year and as we rely solely on the generosity of the public, we hope this shop will become our Scottburgh base, where people will come to support and be supported. We also welcome donations of dog food, which can be dropped off at the shop,”said founder, Nicky Koekemoer.

Koekemoer, a well-known personality in the community, is at the frontline every day feeding and caring for animals in the townships before and after work.

“It is our dream to have our own rescue centre where we can house abandoned and neglected animals. This dream has been put on the backburner due to a lack of funding. We hope this will change with the opening of this shop. Many people are wary of supporting charities as there is so much corruption. We appeal to those who would love to help but are unsure, to join us on a morning feed. Alternatively, speak to the vets at Scottburgh Veterinary Hospital in Park Rynie and gather as much information as you need about us, and make a decision to help or not. We need your support for the sake of the animals who know nothing, but suffering.”

Nicky also appeals for foster homes. “As we don’t have our own rescue centre, we need people to foster an animal. This is probably the most rewarding thing that you will ever do.We appeal to you to be a link in a very worthy chain.”

The community is requested to donate any unwanted household and garden items or dog food and to support the new shop. They are able to use anything as long as it’s not stained, broken or torn. Someone will be at the shop to collect donated items every Saturday from 9am to noon during November. When the shop officially opens for trade, it will operate from 9am to 2pm, from Monday to Friday and 9am to noon every Saturday.

On Saturday, 5 December an adoption day will be held in the parking lot behind Thira Village, close to the new shop. To view the current dogs up for adoption visit www.4pawsandatalerescue.co.za or the Facebook Page 4PawsAndATaleRescue.

For more information contact Nicky on 084-626-5508 or Jacqueline on 082-462-7184.