Safe Hands, Open Hearts: SHARF’s Mission to Transform Lives in Franschhoek
A Beacon of Hope in the Franschhoek Valley
In the tranquil yet complex Franschhoek Valley, where breathtaking landscapes meet stark socioeconomic divides, Safe Hands Animal Rescue Franschhoek (SHARF) shines as a ray of hope. Founded in 2019, SHARF has taken on the monumental task of addressing the overwhelming needs of neglected and abused animals in the region. Through tireless dedication, this non-profit organisation has not only transformed the lives of countless animals but also built bridges of compassion within the community.
The Power of Safe Hands
A Philosophy of Healing
For many animals, hands symbolise fear—tools of cruelty and abuse. SHARF’s name is a deliberate promise: hands can also nurture, heal, and comfort. This ethos underpins every action the organisation takes, ensuring each animal they touch feels love and security, often for the first time.
SHARF’s mission is clear: to improve the living conditions of animals in Franschhoek and its surrounding areas. Through sterilisation, veterinary care, feeding programs, education, and rehoming efforts, they are reshaping what it means to care for animals in a disadvantaged community.
Change Makers
How SHARF Leads a Compassion Revolution
SHARF’s founders, Reejuani Beukes and Bettina Juling, were driven by a shared urgency to combat the abuse, neglect, and overpopulation of animals. They were soon joined by passionate team members, including Abigail Norbury, who added her expertise as the third director, and Jessica Sturrock, who took the reins of the cat division, orchestrating mass sterilisation efforts. Most recently, Nathan Jacobs, a qualified Animal Welfare Assistant, has elevated SHARF’s operations with his frontline experience.
Their guiding principle is collaboration. “In welfare, there are no competitors,” they say, forging partnerships with local veterinarians, SPCA branches, and other animal welfare organisations to amplify their impact.
Blueprint for Change
How SHARF Makes Their Vision a Reality
SHARF’s vision is to uplift the Franschhoek community by focusing on the well-being of its animals. Their efforts extend far beyond rescue work, addressing root causes such as overbreeding and lack of education. Specific objectives include:
Sterilisation Initiatives
Preventing unwanted litters is a cornerstone of their work. SHARF facilitates monthly sterilisation for at least 16 animals and conducts large-scale drives, sterilising up to 60 animals in a single day.
As 2024 draws to a close, SHARF proudly hosted its final Mass Sterilisation Drive of the year in loving memory of Astrid Meth, a devoted volunteer whose passion for animal welfare inspired so many. Generously funded by donations from her friends and family in Germany, the event took place on the picturesque Klein Champagne farm on ROBERTSVLEI Road.
Over two days, SHARF’s dedicated team worked tirelessly, ensuring that the animals from Bo Hoek farms were spayed or neutered. With the gentle expertise of Dr. Lesleigh and her skilled team from Cape Companions Veterinary Clinic, a total of 63 animals—including both dogs and cats—were freed from the cycle of overbreeding.
Emergency Veterinary Care
From treating severe wounds to managing chronic illnesses, SHARF provides round-the-clock care to animals suffering from the most harrowing conditions.
Feeding Programs
Starvation remains a critical issue. SHARF’s feeding initiatives ensure no animal goes hungry, delivering meals to those most in need.
Education and Outreach
By addressing misconceptions and outdated traditions, SHARF empowers community members to care for their pets with kindness and responsibility.
Shelter Projects
Through innovative initiatives like the Annette Phillips Blue Drum Kenneling Project, SHARF has converted over 1,000 plastic drums into warm, dry shelters for animals that would otherwise sleep in the elements.
From Broken to Beautiful
The Power of Fostering
At the heart of SHARF’s operations is their fostering program, which provides a lifeline for animals awaiting adoption. Foster families offer love and stability, helping animals recover physically and emotionally. These temporary homes are vital for rebuilding trust in abused or neglected animals, paving the way for them to find their forever families.
Petworld’s Connection
A Tail-Wagging Success Story
The bond between SHARF and Petworld runs deeper than shared values—it’s one of family. Tertius and Sonnika, proud members of the Petworld team, recently welcomed Titan, a rescued pup, into their home. Titan, once an abandoned soul, now thrives in a loving environment filled with belly rubs, long walks, and boundless affection.
Spotlights and Springtime
SHARF’s Heartfelt Events
Franschhoek’s Got Talent
On March 15th, the Bridgehouse Theatre buzzed with energy as local performers took the stage to support SHARF.
Spring Dinner Dance
On November 9th, Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards hosted an enchanting evening of live jazz, gourmet food, and dancing.
Heart and Grit
Bravery on the Frontlines of Animal Rescue
Every day, SHARF’s team encounters heart-wrenching situations: animals left tethered in the sun, starving dogs, and injured cats abandoned on the roadside. Yet, despite the emotional toll, they remain unwavering in their commitment.
Be a Hero for Franschhoek’s Animals
If you can’t adopt, consider fostering. If fostering isn’t an option, think about sponsoring.
How You Can Help
- Donate: Contributions fund life-saving services.
- Volunteer: Offer your time.
- Provide Supplies: Pet food, blankets, and medical supplies are always needed.
Building a Brighter Tomorrow
SHARF’s work goes beyond rescuing animals—it is about creating a culture of compassion that ripples across Franschhoek.
Join SHARF’s mission today. Together, we can transform the lives of Franschhoek’s animals, one paw at a time.