Severe storm conditions and heavy rainfall have left Cheryl-Lyn’s Rescue Organisation facing a fresh crisis after trees collapsed onto parts of its animal sanctuary, causing major damage to its cattery and one of its cabins.

The rescue organisation, which cares for around 160 animals, issued an urgent public appeal for assistance as staff worked to protect frightened cats and other animals from ongoing rain and cold weather.

According to the organisation, the storm caused part of the cattery roof to collapse, while damage was also reported at a recently built cabin on the property.

Founder Cheryl-Lyn Potgieter described the situation as devastating.

“We are experiencing one of the hardest moments imaginable,” she said. “Our animals are frightened, cold, and trying to shelter wherever they can. We are doing everything possible to keep them safe and dry, but the damage is overwhelming.”

The organisation urgently requires roof sheeting, wooden poles, roofing boards and other building materials to create temporary shelter for the animals.

Rescue already under pressure before storm damage

The latest disaster comes at an already difficult time for the rescue organisation, which recently announced that the farm property it occupies is up for sale, placing the sanctuary’s future at risk.

Founded in 2015, Cheryl-Lyn’s Rescue Organisation has spent years rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming abused, neglected and abandoned animals from communities including Melkbosstrand, Table View and Milnerton.

With uncertainty surrounding the property, the organisation has already been forced to temporarily halt new animal intakes while focusing resources on the animals currently in its care.

“With a heavy heart, we have to close our doors to new intakes for now,” Potgieter previously said. “Inside these fences are already so many lives depending on us — and right now, they need us more than ever.”

Appeal for donations and building materials

As emergency repairs continue, the organisation is appealing to the public for both financial support and practical donations to help rebuild damaged areas and protect the animals from further exposure to the weather.

“We refuse to give up on our animals, even in the middle of this storm,” Potgieter said.

The rescue currently uses nearly 70kg of dog food every day while continuing to care for animals recovering from abuse, neglect and abandonment.

Potgieter said every donation, no matter how small, would help provide urgent relief.

“If anyone can help with roofing boards, sheets, wooden poles, or any financial contribution towards rebuilding the roof, we would be deeply grateful,” she said.

Community urged to help save sanctuary

The organisation has also launched a crowdfunding campaign in hopes of securing the future of the sanctuary and preventing displacement once the farm is sold.

Supporters are being encouraged to assist through donations, adoptions and raising awareness about the organisation’s current crisis.

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