GEORGE NEWS - At Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (Odin), rescuing and caring for neglected animals is part of everyday life. But the team knows that in many of the rural communities in which they work, even the children go without the most basic necessities.
In some of these areas and farm settlements, some youngsters have never bitten into a crisp apple, owned a toothbrush or held a tube of toothpaste. Yet when Odin’s familiar rescue vehicle arrives, they come running - barefoot but smiling.
What started as a small clean-up project, Bring a Bag - Get a Goody Bag has already made a big impact. Children eagerly collected litter in their neighbourhoods and were rewarded with a small bag of sweet treats, juice and two-minute noodles, discovering that caring for their surroundings brings both pride and joy.
Now Odin is taking the next step with a new initiative called Back to the Basics. The plan is to visit farm schools, bring along rescue dogs, and teach kindness and compassion through animal care. Each child will also receive a simple gift pack: a toothbrush, toothpaste, a fresh apple and banana and a small gift bag.
Odin currently reaches more than 400 children each week, and every donation helps this project grow.
To donate towards the project, send a WhatsApp to 072 084 1374. Contributions of fresh fruit, jiffy bags, children’s toothbrushes, toothpaste or financial donations are all welcome.
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