16/10/2026
I need to vent. I am not one to complain. We try our best to do everything we can with the little bit of funds we are able to raise every month. But honestly... what is even going on?
Since we have received our PBO number, I feel like our donations have dropped to even less... Last month and this month, we didn't even raise enough to cover our food bill. We eliminated the extra food we purchase for the outreach just so that we could pay for the food for the animals in our care. We had to use the last bit of funds in our savings to purchase the animals' fresh veggies throughout the month.
And this month is even worse. We are currently sitting with R500 in the account, and we haven't even purchased the fresh veggies or grass for the animals this month because there are simply no funds to do it.
We have 2 employees who earn the absolute bare minimum, so it's not like we can even let staff go to try to cut costs. We have enough food for outreach to last this month and the next month; then that will be finished too, so I don't know what else to do there, because I have already cut buying the food to help the animals in the communities.
Many times, we go out to relocate and rescue snakes at our own expense because we have a love for reptiles that not many people have. We have been doing this alone for the past 2 years, and honestly, this has already been the worst year we could have possibly had.
We had break-ins where one of us got shot, we lost our primary vehicle in a car accident, and now, when we need it the most, we are experiencing dwindling support.
We are currently trying to raise R12,800 to purchase a log cabin to move our reptile enclosures into. We are busy repairing our stables, and all the animals need to be vaccinated within the next 2 months to keep them safe, all the while trying our utmost best to sell merch to try to make other plans to cover these expenses.
We have even considered maybe taking out a loan to better the shelter, but then that just puts us into deeper debt that we don't know if we can afford in the long run.
So please, we are here on bended knees, begging. Is there anyone out there who can help us?
We are PBO registered, so donations can be claimed back. We just need a little bit of help. We are doing this for the animals in our care, as well as the animals in the communities that we help.
We have 2 donation methods:
EFT:
Van Dyk Animal Rescue
FNB - 250655
63131383604
Or you can use PayPal:
[email protected]
Please, we cannot do this alone anymore. 💔
If you have ever considered donating to Van Dyk Animal Rescue, please, we are asking you to do so now. Even R50 or R100 can make a difference when many people come together. If you cannot donate, please share this post and help us reach someone who can.
Our animals depend on us, and the animals in our communities depend on us too. We don't want to reach a point where we have to turn animals away or stop helping those who have nowhere else to turn.
We are not asking for luxuries. We are asking for help to provide the basic necessities for the animals who depend on us every single day.
Please stand with us when we need it most. Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to keeping our doors open and continuing the work we do. ❤️🐾
We are a registered PBO, and eligible donations qualify for Section 18A tax certificates.
Please donate using the banking details or PayPal address above. If you cannot donate today, sharing this appeal could be just as important.
Please don't scroll past us. We genuinely need your help. 🙏
