GEORGE NEWS - She has a heart of gold and her bravery and passion for cats knows no bounds
In the quiet early hours of the morning, while most of us are still in bed, Coriza Vermeulen begins her day. At 04:30, she feeds her first batch of feral cats at the Tuiniqua care centre. This is just the beginning of a long and demanding day for Coriza, a dedicated Cat Garden Route (NPO) volunteer.
Her mission is to improve the lives of cats in rural and indigent areas such as Maraiskamp, Conville, Rosemoor and Borcherds
Coriza ventures into the informal settlements, facing verbal abuse and threats to her life. Her car has been vandalised and broken into numerous times while she works tirelessly to help the cats.
Come rain or shine, she walks for miles and even climbs roofs to reach cats in need
Despite these challenges, Coriza's resolve remains unshaken. Her courage and determination are truly inspiring, making her a beacon of hope for the countless cats she cares for.
Every day, she ventures into the most crime-stricken, indigent communities to pick up cats for sterilisation, return those that have been sterilised, and feed those in need.
She also administers medication where possible, takes in new cases and takes sick and injured cats to various vets for medical care
Her day is filled with the relentless task of caring for cats and kittens, all in a bid to convey one crucial message: sterilisation is the key
Working solely on donations, Coriza desperately needs a new bakkie to continue her vital work and she would greatly appreciate any contribution, no matter how small.
Her dedication is supported by two other volunteers, Uschi Peuckert and Rita Brock, who also contribute greatly to the efforts of Cat Garden Route
Coriza is not just a volunteer; she is a guardian angel for the cats of George. Her selfless dedication and tireless efforts deserve our admiration and support.
This Women's Day, let us celebrate Coriza and the remarkable work she does, ensuring that the message of sterilisation and care for cats continues to spread far and wide.
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