An article published in the Highway Mail on Friday, February 18 about the parvovirus outbreak touched the heart of resident and business owner Tamlyn Nurse.
Karen Janisch, founder of the Blue Bundu Brigade, an animal rescue organization in Pinetown, has come forward urging pet owners to vaccinate their dogs. This came after eight puppies died from the virus.
After the puppies died, the shelter was left with a R31,000 vet bill, which was brought down with the help of donors, donations and adoptions.
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Nurse, the owner of Blueberry Blush in Hillcrest, who also has a stall at Shongweni Farmers Market, held a fundraiser for the shelter to help with the bill as well.
“We networked quite intensively on social media and were surprised by the turnout. The booth was quite full and we also had some puppies for adoption who received so much attention and showered with so much love. It was overwhelming. It was a phenomenal experience and a great day,” said Janisch.
She said a very unexpected amount of R9050 was raised for her organisation. “We paid most of that on our vet bill and withheld a small amount for running costs,” says Janisch.
She thanked Nurse, her team and the public for the special day and support.
Nurse said they try to support a different charity every time they host a fundraiser or receive donations.
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“We have made donations to a range of charities from women’s welfare to crèches. But recently we were touched by the Blue Bundu Brigade’s call and decided we could show them the love by holding a sale at our resident booth at Shongweni Farmers Market and help them save on their vet bills and some much needed ones to donate food.
“We have such an amazing community that we have been inundated with support and have managed to raise over R9,000 for the Blue Bundu Brigade as well as about 80kg of food,” she said.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 Coverage
At press time, the content of this feature reflected the South African lockdown regulations.
