General Manager end of year letter 2020.
I ended my letter off last year with the following words: ‘As we move towards 2020 and all its opportunities, we hope to build on the work we do every day, with your help. As donor, supporter, corporate partner, volunteer or staff, we thank you for your help and guidance, your care and concern and generosity of money, goods, time, support, adoption and general support of the work that we do.’
Well who could have prepared us for 2020! What a year it’s been for you, our community, donors, supporters, corporate partners, volunteers and ourselves. So here are a few key words to sum up our year:
Thank you: because you were there for us in so many wonderful, kind and generous ways when we needed you.
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Opportunities: we were an essential service and our wonderful and dedicated hospital team ensured we took care of the communities’ animals (and we’ve safely run our positive household COVID-19 protocol for 2 animals in distress.) Services were extended and staff added with each level. An appointment system streamlined workflow and kept all safe (and I admit caused some frustrations too!) Our selfless kennel team tended to the animals and loved the thrill of adoptions under level 3, also by appointment with personalised attention.
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Look at the happy faces and wagging tails on Facebook of new family bonds formed. Our kennel shop went online with food and other products delivered to your door. |
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Our innovative inspectors never stopped investigating cruelty, saving a dog that got stuck in a hole, and playing a crucial role in our feeding scheme. The admin staff enthusiastically tackled their work when they were allowed back with exciting educational opportunities being planned for 2021-new material, online material and connecting with our youth in a new world.
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Build on the work: we never stopped working because you needed us, and we needed you. So, while we couldn’t accommodate UNISA students for 6months with their training, we caught up nicely over the last 4 months, enabling them to get valuable practical work in while helping with our workload. Volunteering sadly took a back seat, but we loved seeing everyone at the Shelter Lunch on Saturday 12th December after our last event was the Night Walkies with Dotsure in February! Our staff started training dogs again in the Pawcademy when we extended our working hours, which both dogs and staff loved!
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Donors, supporters and corporate partners: you never stopped believing in our work and supporting us even when you didn’t have the budget and were struggling yourselves. Sometimes just your kind words and feedback were enough to keep us going. Vaccines and pet products kept our animals and community safe. Those that could, helped us with vital PPE, safety screens and those pesky infrared thermometers! Food got delivered too and new partnerships formed to assist those who couldn’t feed their pets, so we helped to feed them instead of them being handed over to our kennels.
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Staff: nothing would be possible without our staff, Chairman, HOD’s and EXCO, all with their unique personalities and skills. Standing together in March, we united and worked together for a common goal- the animals in our care and community. It’s been tough though mentally and physically, with each one of us struggling in a different way. But we have had your help and support, and assistance from many sources especially during trying times like the three break- ins.
So as 2020 draws to a close, on behalf of the Chairman and Management, we thank you. You are greatly appreciated, and we are humbled by your continued support in the many wonderful, kind and generous ways you provided for us and the animals this year. We’re still standing and serving the community and look forward to our journey with you in 2021.
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Fireworks & Your Pets 2020
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Every year during firework season we receive many dogs and cats that have become confused and anxious and sadly escaped from their homes due to the fear caused by fireworks. As part of being a Responsible Pet Owner, the onus is on you as the owner to make sure that your pets are safe and secure at all times.
For more information on Responsible Pet Ownership please contact Carren on 011 435 0672 or jhb@aacl-jhbnb.co.za
According to the City of Johannesburg bylaws, fireworks are allowed on specific days, at specific times and ignoring the rules can carry a hefty fine.
Christmas Eve 24 December
Day of Goodwill, 26 December
New Year’s eve, 31 December
New Year’s Day, 1 January
Click Here For Fireworks Bylaws>>>> https://bit.ly/35HsyGs
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A wonderful time was had by all on Saturday 12 December 2020 at our annual Christmas Shelter Lunch. Although we limited the numbers of volunteers on site due to COVID19, the response from our supporters
who joined us and those who just dropped off food and donations has been amazing.
From us all, at AACL-JHB we thank you for your generous and continued support toward the animals in our care.
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