The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha has launched an urgent open appeal for help. They have started an emergency takeover of the South African Mass Animal Sterilisation Trust (SA MAST) – the only other animal organisation in the township – to rescue the organisation from shutting down.
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The departure of SA MAST’s founder and primary fundraiser, and the loss of some major donors, left the organization in desperate straits. The SA MAST trustees called Mdzananda to help.
“We cannot allow this clinic to shut down,” says Marcelle du Plessis, Fundraising and Communications Executive of Mdzananda Animal Clinic. “Hundreds of animals are sterilised here every year preventing unwanted litters, homelessness, neglect and even abuse. Last week a box of puppies was brought to this clinic’s gates. Imagine if the clinic had shut down. These poor pups would have died. We need to save the clinic, so we’re taking over.”
As of today, what was previously known as SA MAST will now be the Mdzananda Satellite Sterilisation Clinic. But saving this clinic is impossible without the support from the public.
“Even though we are sad to lose SA MAST in the community, we are honoured to be able to continue its legacy on its premises,” says Sr Heidi May, General Manager of Mdzananda Animal Clinic. “But it is a scary task. Taking over is an enormous extra cost on top of that of our own organisation – it is impossible without the help of donors. If we do not raise sufficient funds, we will need to shut the clinic down leaving hundreds of animals unsterilised.”
Mdzananda needs to raise R5 million rand to take over and run this clinic for the next year.
“We really need some heroes,” says du Plessis. “We ask the public to please make an emergency donation. And if just 4 000 people can become #SteriSuppawters and donate R100 per month to sponsor sterilisation, together we can save this clinic and all the animals that rely on it.”
“The Cape Animal Welfare Forum stands behind the work of Mdzananda Animal Clinic as an active CAWF member. We encourage Cape Town animal lovers to rescue the work of SA MAST, a vital animal welfare facility, by donating whatever they can. Sick and suffering animals in Khayelitsha are totally dependent on this takeover working out, so it is time for us to stand by our Mdzananda friends so they can continue the work that desperately needs to be done in the area,” said Karin de Klerk, Chairperson Cape Animal Welfare Forum.
To assist, make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic:
- Sign-up as a #Sterisuppawter at www.mdzanandasecure.co.za.
- For more information: email [email protected],
- Visit: www.mdzananda.co.za
- YouTube Video link:www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jpNBzIT1HU
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Picture: Supplied
