PART 2: EVERY NOW AND THEN AFRICAT IS HONOURED BY THE SUPPORT OF SOMEONE WHO GIVES MORE THAN WHAT IS EXPECTED FROM A SUPPORTER. . . . Sue Olsen spent time on Okonjima as a guest, but heard about the rescue of the ‘Saltpans’ – Swakop and Mundi and wanted to help, unconditionally. . . . Not only did she sponsor the trial bonding period when they were placed into the same area with Dizzy and Spirit, but she also trusted our decision to abort that project for reasons mentioned in previous fb postings. She has funded their food and medical bills every since and has allowed her funding to be used wherever we feel it is necessary – like using it for the fuel that was needed to rescue Penta! facebook/groups/AfriCat/permalink/817325888277473/ “So what happened to Dizzy?” Then you get the dedication and commitment of Sarah Cullen . . . . A guest at Okonjima many years ago - 2011, Sarah enjoyed her stay, but wanted to do more. She has volunteered during the vetcheck for 3 years running now and because she’s a trainer veterinary nurse – she has become Dr Steenkamp’s favourite assistant, knowing exactly what he needs and when he needs it. africat.org/event/annual-health-check/health-check-2013 Not only does Sarah save-up and sponsor her own flight all the way out from Australia (New South Wales) – she has also been responsible for sponsoring many of the important medical apparatus used inside the AfriCat clinic during any veterinarian procedure. This year Sarah surprised us by sponsoring yet another clinic item – the theatre light – that was used extensively during the intricate laparoscopic procedures. A personal word from Sarah: “In 2011 my mother left me some money after she died. Family & friends suggested I should buy some jewellery or something nice in memory of her. I don’t wear jewellery, knowing me I would knock the diamond out of a ring. My mother also had a passion for animals, so when I first visited AfriCat, I fell in love with Namibia. I knew what I was going to do with the money. I donated money to help set up the new clinic with an anaesthetic monitor, instruments and other equipment. My mother was a nurse and I am a vet nurse, so it seemed very appropriate. AfriCat organised some plaques to put on the monitors in memory of mum. So her memory lives on at AfriCat. I have been here three years in a row to help with the health checks and it is such an honour to watch all the equipment being used by the vets and researchers. It is also an honour knowing how much I am helping AfriCat in their research, so we can all learn more about Cheetahs, Leopards and Lions. Leaving a legacy is such a wonderful thing to do. Not only are you helping that organisation, but your loved one will always be remembered and you will always be reminded of them in such a wonderful way. I am very proud of what has been achieved with mum’s donation and I am one very proud and happy AfriCat supporter. They are on top of my list for my legacy when it is time. People travel to AfriCat from all over the world. So when they come to visit they see who has donated what & how that particular persons legacy has helped AfriCat. So it reaches every part of the globe. You get such positive feedback from all sorts of people & you know exactly where your money goes, from helping feed the cheetahs & leopards in the carnivore care centre, improving their large enclosures, setting up new facilities. As I said before it is such a pleasure seeing first hand my equipment being used by the wonderful vets at AFRICAT. People are always promising to help organisations like AfriCat but they dont follow through. It is fine to like photos & stories on Facebook & other social media but it doesnt really achieve anything. It is so rewarding knowing how much I am helping these beautiful animals through my mothers memory, knowing that Mum lives on through AfriCat & the cats & she is remembered around the world. In this harsh world of ours I recommend doing something lovely like leaving a legacy of some sort, it doesnt matter how big or small. It makes you feel so good especially after the pain of losing a loved one. Sarah Cullen Proud AfriCat Supporter!”
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 15:56:39 +0000
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