CHANGES AT IRWIN ANIMAL RESCUE CENTRE NPC
September 2012
Irwin Animal Rescue Centre Non Profit Company (IARC NPC) has been in existence since 1984
It was founded on and subscribes to a “no kill” policy. The centre has been through hardships in the last two years; financial and other but it has made it through all with the help and understanding of many organizations and individuals who have put aside personal issues, financial and emotional, to eventually work together for the benefit of all the previously neglected, abandoned and abused animals rescued by them with the aim of rehabilitating and eventually re-homing them.
Most recently the Centre has undergone an overhaul of its board, management and policies. Prior to June 2012, IARC NPC had three directors on its board, one has resigned and four new active directors were appointed to make up a full compliment. There are six directors that now oversee the policy, planning and fundraising; and come with skills that include big business management, long term service in animal welfare, a veterinary surgeon, IT, PR & managerial.
With the revival of the Centre they have the support and legal input of Mr. JohanVenter, the Chief Prosecutor for the Vaal Rand cluster who attends the board meetings of the organization and provides relevant guidance to the organization inline with running a NPC.
IARC NPC has employed a full time Centre manager who has a lifetime of animal welfare exposure and previously worked for the SPCA.
A full time re-homing and PR representative for the Centre has been instated from September. One thing that does not change is the number of animals that need to be rescued, rehabilitated and re-homed.
The attitude towards the re-homing of the dogs at the Centre has made an about turn. This change is reflected in the introduction of the re-homing policy. This policy states in its introduction: “That dogs will come into the centre is a forgone conclusion.
The success of the centre will be in having a low number of dogs in care at the centre and will be facilitated by this re-homing policy.” With this being the central ethos of the Centre the public is called on to support by adopting a rescued dog and providing it with the love and care that only a home can provide.
This is a huge facility and all costs however are continuous, they really need your help in ensuring the success of the new lease of life they have been given. Here is a list of the needs of the Centre, whether once off or ongoing.
Once off needs include kitchen equipment upgrade R 50,000, cold rooms R 60,000, prefab structures R 60,000, clinic equipment R150,000, electrical carts R 70,000, paint and tools R 20,000, kennels R 100,000 & enclosures upgrade R 150,000.
Ongoing monthly expenses include wages R 45,000, medicines R 20,000, toys for animals R 1,000, food R 30,000, building supplies and maintenance R 10,000 & advertising for re-homing - R 5,000.
Being a non profit company means it provides sponsors, kind individuals and companies who want to help, the opportunity to choose how; whether in part or fully, from R10 to R100 000 or more and be able to update everyone helping with donations on where the money is being spent and the progress made.
People can choose to pay their suppliers directly or deposit into their bank account: Standard Bank, current account 021945756, branch code 01 4537 Meyerton. Account Name: Irwin Animal Rescue Centre. Deposit reference: “your name and cell number”, so they can follow up and text you a thank you
Their account is at all times open to public scrutiny and always in the interest of honesty and transparency and to the ultimate benefit of the animals in their care.
To raise funds for the daily running of the Centre they run a stand at the Saturday De Deur Flea Market (stand D19) and a ‘Charity Shop’ Tuesday – Friday opposite the Post Office in Fenton Street, Meyerton. At the ‘Charity Shop’ they sell 2nd read books, clothing & bric-a-brac that are donated to them by the public. Keep them in mind when you clear your bookshelf and cupboards. You can drop off at the shop or call and they will arrange to collect the goods for resale.
The Centre invites you to adopt one of their furry friends who have been rescued and have recovered and now need your love and affection. You will be rewarded with the appreciation a rescued dog shows as you care for it. Although they have veterinary, animal behaviourist, long term serving animal welfare specialists, volunteers, ground staff and management, there is just not enough love to go around for the hundreds of dogs being cared for.
If you are unable to adopt a dog, go and visit them. Visitors are welcome 7 days a week. The dogs need company, petting and toys. An empty half litre soda pop bottle makes and excellent toy when filled with a handful of dry dog food and given to them to play with. Try this if you own a dog, it is great fun and keeps them amused.
The Centre is at plot 25, 7th Rd Walkers Fruit Farms, Midvaal which is half way between Alberton and Vereeniging on the West side of the R59.
Please remember to call the Centre manager and let him know you are planning a visit in order to make sure you are attended to and all your questions are answered.
Contacts:
(Centre Manager)
(Re-homing & PR) Tanya Sequeira - 079 618 5522
(Secretary) Sharon Strydom 082 950 4368
thanks to Pat Sloane Photography for the lovely portrait photos of some of our adopted doggies
Find & ‘like’ their Facebook page “Irwin Animal Rescue Centre NPC” to see the dogs up for adoption & what they are up to.
