Reaching Out to the Townships
(Once again, a small team of dedicated volunteers has set aside their lives for the sake of the animals. The circumstances in Port Elizabeth would have to improve in order to be called ‘desperate’, yet Mike Kerr and his team face the challenge, undaunted by the apparent hopelessness of the challenge. It’s people like this you should be supporting. They’re chipping away at the root…)
In the remote townships on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth life is far from idyllic, and the tough conditions in these tight communities are shared by the animals of those areas. Their lifeline is Michael Kerr and a group of dedicated, unpaid volunteers who spend every waking moment making a difference in the lives of these animals and people, under extremely difficult circumstances.
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The poor animals arrive in buckets, in boxes and in wheelbarrows – all starving and wearing only makeshift collars. They treat, inoculate, deworm, sterilise and dip the animals – handing out blankets and food as they are able. They have rescued dogs, cats, horses, donkies, rabbits, monkeys, you name it… If it is furry, has 4 legs and a tail (or even 3 legs and no tail – as has happened to some unfortunate animals), is in a township, and is in need of care – Mike and his volunteers will help. Kids are rewarded with a Tempo chocolate for bringing their animals in.
Some of the animals are in such a terrible condition that they cannot be left where they are in the township and Mike then takes these dogs, cats, or other animals home with him, treats them and then rehomes them (sometimes as far away as Cape Town and Johannesburg).
Animal Outreaches is in desperate need of help. Their immediate need is for food, collars, leashes, blankets and kennels; in the longer term they need a way to make their efforts sustainable. We are looking to anyone who cares about animals to make a difference by getting behind Mike Kerr and his efforts. Whether it is with a donation to their cause, corporate contribution through discounted or distressed stock, assistance with an extra pair of hands or simply by spreading the word so that more people can become involved – you have the opportunity to change a life today.
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From Mike Kerr’s recent Appeal:
“Animal Outreaches is a registered non-profit organisation. We presently have in our care 200 rescued cats and 15 rescued horses and lots of bunnies and chickens. It is only due to the kindness, care and financial assistance of a handful of dedicated volunteers, who are passionate about all animals, that these precious creatures, great and small, have sufficient food, water, shelter and medical treatment to live a happy life. At Animal Outreaches we adopt a pro-life policy and our desire is to save as many animals as possible as we feel that every animal must be given a chance for a better life. It is only when we are confronted with a “no hope” situation that we resort to euthanasia and this we do with much sadness in our hearts.
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Our outreach work in the townships is never-ending and there will always be a need. Even though we are faced with extreme challenges we do as much as we can with the limited resources we have at our disposal. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of backyard breeders in the townships, with many of the “mommies” being malnourished, riddled with mange or some other disease, and generally not in good health at all. We will be carrying out sterilisation campaigns as and when funds are available to try and combat the puppy and kitten population from reaching epidemic proportions.
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Our key objective is to prevent cruelty to all animals. Our aim is to improve the lives of those animals that are in dire need of assistance. Our mission is to educate communities in the townships on how to take proper care of their animals so that all animals will have a healthy and happy life.
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You can help us in our quest to continue taking care of our furry friends who do not have a voice by becoming a member or sponsor. It is only with your support that we can continue to give them the help that they so desperately need. We need cat and dog food on a continuous basis as well as collars and leads. The conditions in the townships are horrendous with animals having wire for collars which cuts into their flesh causing great suffering and deep wounds which are left unattended until we can get there to do an outreach.
We need sponsors and members on an ongoing basis. Should you wish to make a “once-off” donation this will be gratefully received. When making a donation please send us an e-mail or fax with your details so that we may officially thank you.”
You can contact Mike Kerr on 082 654 9124 or email Mike at kerrs@telkomsa.net to get involved. Your help, in any way, would be much appreciated
Banking details are as follows:
Animal Outreaches
Standard Bank of SA Limited
Cheque Account No. 080 177 182
Port Elizabeth Branch – Branch Code 050-017
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