Stalwart brings new vision with NPC

GEORGE NEWS - A new non-profit company (NPC) for animal welfare, Sentiara, has launched in George, led by Salomé Bruyns, a well-known figure across the Garden Route for her 22 years as a senior inspector at the Garden Route SPCA.

With Sentiara, Bruyns is embarking on a mission to ease animal suffering and empower communities through education and outreach.

Named after the word 'sentient', Sentiara reflects the belief that animals deserve respect and care because they feel pain, fear, love and joy. "This is a new chapter, and I'm giving it everything I've got," Bruyns said. "But we need support in the form of donations, volunteers and anything to help us reach more animals and people."

To fund Sentiara's work, Bruyns is selling clothing from her home with the hopes of one day opening a charity shop. While education is the core focus, the organisation also plans to assist with sterilisation campaigns and medical care for animals as resources allow.

Not missing a beat

Sentiara hit the ground running. On Monday 14 April, the team responded to a call from Borcherds about Blackie, a small dog injured in a bite incident. With no transport available, Blackie's owner was at a loss. "We acted fast," Bruyns said. "We picked Blackie and his owner up and got them to the PDSA [the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals]."

Blackie is now under treatment, but still needs X-rays and sterilisation. Bruyns is urgently looking for donations to cover his care. Those able to help can reach her on 076 202 0043 or salome@sentiara.co.za.

Supporting communities

Sentiara's work extends beyond animals to the people who care for them, especially in underserved areas. During a recent visit to a crèche in Syferfontein, the team delivered toys to children, many of whom lack basic clothing.

The crèche, which has a small library with a few books, welcomed the support. Sentiara is now appealing for donations of books, toys, fruit or sponsorship for a puppet show to enhance the crèche's upcoming animal care programme.

"We're teaching compassion for animals while also uplifting communities. The joy on those children's faces showed us how much these small gestures mean," Bruyns said.

Building a kinder future

Still in its early days, Sentiara is driven by Bruyns' experience and a vision for a more compassionate George. From rescuing animals like Blackie to bringing hope to children, the organisation is already making a mark.

But its success depends on local support.

Bruyns invites George residents to get involved, whether through donations, volunteering or spreading the word. "Together, we can create change - one animal, one person, one community at a time," she said.

Bruyns with some of the children she met at Syferfontein's crèche.