A R3 million donation in honour of the late author Wilbur Smith has brought Cheryl-Lyn’s Rescue Organisation halfway towards buying its own permanent sanctuary. But with millions still to raise, the future of nearly 200 rescued animals hangs in the balance.

For the dogs and cats at Cheryl-Lyn’s Rescue Organisation, the sanctuary is more than a place to sleep, eat and play. It is a place of safety for animals that have endured neglect, abuse and abandonment, offering them the chance to recover and enjoy a better life.

Founded by Cheryl-Lyn Potgieter in 2015, the organisation rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes vulnerable animals across Melkbosstrand, Table View, Milnerton and surrounding areas. It currently cares for about 180 dogs and 14 cats, all depending on the sanctuary for food, shelter, medical care and a safe place to call home.

The late Wilbur Smith

Now, a remarkable R3 million donation has brought new hope to Potgieter and her team as they work towards securing a permanent future for the animals in their care.

The gift, made in honour of celebrated author Smith, represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s fundraising efforts. It puts CRO halfway towards its goal of purchasing the farm it currently occupies.

However, the rescue still needs to raise at least another R3 million, as well as cover legal fees, to secure the property. With the farm facing an auction, the organisation is appealing to the public, businesses and animal lovers to help close the gap before it is too late.

A gift that brings new hope

The R3 million donation has given the organisation renewed hope at a time when the future of its sanctuary remains uncertain.

The late Smith, known for his novels inspired by Africa’s landscapes, history and wildlife, leaves a fitting legacy through a gift that could help protect animals in need.

For CRO, the contribution is about more than reaching a fundraising milestone. Securing the farm would give the organisation a permanent base from which to continue its work, without the ongoing uncertainty of potentially losing the property that houses its animals.

The vision is to establish a permanent farm sanctuary with comfortable, modern kennels and secure play areas where the dogs can move around safely.

The property would also include income-generating activities to help support the organisation’s operations and make the sanctuary more financially sustainable.

While the donation has brought that vision closer to reality, the rescue cannot yet celebrate a secure future. The remaining funds must still be raised, and the organisation is calling on supporters to help turn this significant contribution into a lasting home for the animals.

Nearly 200 animals depend on sanctuary

Behind the fundraising campaign are hundreds of individual needs, from daily meals and clean bedding to veterinary treatment and rehabilitation.

Since opening in 2015, CRO has worked to help animals that have been neglected, abused or abandoned in communities across the greater area. Its work includes rescuing vulnerable animals, helping them recover and finding suitable homes for those ready to be adopted.

Today, the organisation cares for approximately 180 dogs and 14 cats. Their daily needs make the rescue a demanding and costly operation, requiring a steady supply of food, medical resources and support.

“CRO goes through about 70kg of dog food every day. That is before accounting for veterinary bills, medication and the care required by animals recovering from difficult circumstances,” Potgieter says.

For an organisation working to protect so many animals, a permanent sanctuary would provide much-needed stability. It would also allow the rescue to plan for the future and develop additional income streams to help cover its running costs.

The farm is therefore central to more than the animals’ immediate shelter. It is part of the organisation’s plan to continue providing care for years to come.

A difficult decision

The uncertainty surrounding the property has already forced CRO to make difficult decisions.

Earlier this year, the organisation announced that it had stopped accepting new animals. Instead, it chose to focus its available resources on the animals already depending on it.

For a rescue organisation whose work centres on helping vulnerable animals, turning away new cases is a difficult step. However, the decision was made against the backdrop of uncertainty over the farm and the need to continue caring for the animals already at the sanctuary.

“With so many dogs and cats relying on us, losing the property could create an enormous challenge. Finding alternative accommodation for nearly 200 animals would require significant resources, suitable facilities and careful planning to ensure their welfare,” says Potgieter.

The fundraising campaign is aimed at preventing that uncertainty from becoming a crisis and giving the animals a safe, permanent place to live.

Millions still needed

Despite the R3 million donation, CRO is only halfway towards its fundraising target.

The organisation still needs to raise at least another R3 million, along with legal fees, to complete the purchase. It is appealing to businesses, philanthropists, animal lovers and members of the public to contribute towards the shortfall.

The rescue is also encouraging supporters to share its appeal as widely as possible, helping it reach people who may be willing and able to assist.

“Every contribution can help bring us closer to its goal. While a large donation can make a substantial difference, smaller donations from many supporters can also add up to meaningful progress,” Potgieter says.

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