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Riebeek Animal Welfare gets on the road

For the last five years Riebeek Animal Welfare (RAW) needed a dedicated vehicle to more efficiently provide its services to four-legged community members in the Valley.
Last week that dream became reality when brand-new panel van ‘Suzi’ was christened with bubbly and boisterous cheers in Riebeek Kasteel.

Getting there involved much discussion and planning, generous donations, careful handling of finances and some well-supported fundraising events. The original goal of R120 000 was reached earlier this year, but the search for a reliable used bakkie proved disappointing. So the path took a turn and sights were set on a new panel van.

A van with a plan: Riebeek Animal Welfare volunteers raise a glass to the organisation’s long-awaited new Suzuki panel van. ‘Suzi’ will be used be used for transporting animals to and from RAW’s clinics, community outreach efforts and vet trips to Malmesbury. Photo: Michelle McCann Photograpy

“That meant simply working harder to raise funds while also ensuring sufficient cashflow in RAW’s working account. But our goal of R200 000 was still just out of reach a few months back,” says RAW chairperson Bev Voigt.
Then in flew some local fairy godpeople who waved their wands in the direction of their connections for donations and assistance. The magical result was a spanking new panel van.

RAW is an independent non-profit founded by resident Andy Grobler in 2018, who handed over the reins to Voigt last year. It is funded entirely by donations, and its ongoing operation relies on a team of volunteers. The bulk of its income comes from the RAW Charity Shop in Riebeek Kasteel.
With this funding it provides vaccination and sterilisation to pets. In cases of illness or chronic injury, animals are treated at a charity rate by caring vets in Malmesbury.

“Suzi will be used for transporting animals and their owners to and from clinics, vet runs and Friday feeding efforts. She will be kitted out with vital equipment and medication that enables us to treat and test animals in the field,” says Voigt.
For more information visit: facebook.com/riebeekanimalwelfare, www.riebeekanimalwelfare.org.za or call 063 139 2256. (media release)

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