As the year draws to a close, it’s that time again when we start to reflect on all our years achievements. This, TOLFA’s 6th year, has not surprisingly been our busiest year ever. News has spread far and wide regarding the hospitals existence and successes and we regularly see animals brought to us from over 70kms away for treatment. Our 125 kennels are never empty and on many occasions this year, we’ve had to double up as at the height of rainy season, over 200 dogs were receiving daily treatments. Our fantastic new quarantine kennels has helped immensely though, by enabling us to isolate those cases that could spread fatal diseases to our other inpatients.
We have also been incredibly fortunate this year to be able to purchase a brand new rescue vehicle which is on the road 24 hours a day, struggling to keep up with the number of calls that we receive daily from members of the public. Our hospital is also sanctuary to more than 40 shelter animals that are well and truly intergrated into our TOLFA family. In the last couple of months, we were joined by 2 new horses Patrick and Penny that were dramatically rescued from this year’s Pushkar fair.
Our dedicated staff continue to work around the clock to try and keep on top of our burgeoning work load. It’s been necessary to increase our staff which includes a new veterinary doctor, Dr Mukesh, animal rescue assistant, Lakhan and livestock assistant, Harish, but sadly we’ve had to say goodbye to our peaceful driver Saffi. There have also been a few changes. Bunty, who has been with us for many years, has just started his new role as nurturing staff member.
Our Project Raja volunteer scheme goes from strength to strength and is proving particularly popular with training veterinary students from around the world such as our nurturing volunteer Michelle. This year saw more than 55 volunteers fundraise and dedicate their time to help TOLFA fulfil its aims. Volunteers are a vital resource for our charity and a lot of emphasis this year will go on expanding our network of ‘nurturing volunteers’ who can make such a difference to the welfare needs of our patients. Hear about Kirsty’s volunteering experience.
Our rabies eradication project has seen more than 14,000 stray dogs sterilised and vaccinated in 4 different Rajasthani cities, since TOLFAs inception in 2005. Our rescue and care project brings dogs, cows, donkeys, monkeys, cats and birds to the hospital, so that they can receive the veterinary treatment they vitally need. 20 and more sick and injured goats regularly make their way to our free afternoon clinic for poor local villagers as part of our rural development project and October 2011 saw the launch of our education project, which we feel is imperative to help improve the situation for animals living in our area.
TOLFA is run by a network of trustees in both India and the UK, who give up their time, for free to ensure the smooth running of the charities. TOLFA UK is the absolute backbone to the work that we do in India and in recent times has seen some changes to the board.
All in all, it has been a fantastic year for TOLFA which we hope will continue into the New Year. 7th January 2012 will see TOLFA featured in a TV programme that will be aired through one of India’s national networks. Our biggest aim for 2012 is to secure a substantial piece of land located behind our existing shelter. This would be a huge asset to us, increasing the space available to us, to be able to provide sanctuary to all the animals that continue to make their way to our industrious hospital. Help us with our Sanctuary Appeal.
It is only through the incredible generosity of our supporters and volunteers, that TOLFA is able to carry out the work that is so vital. Unfortunately we are unable to mention every name but the following have been wonderfully generous. A huge thanks goes to: The Delves Trust, The Animal Defense Trust, The Betty and Bernard Davidson Charitable Trust, The Marchig Trust, WSPA, The Valerie White Memorial Trust and The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust. Also to: Kim Collins, Peter Maloney, Lulu and Garett O’Leary, Katy Horton and Simon Kent, Barbara Webb and Jim Pearson, Michelle Hayes, Bob and Maureen Crafer, Karen Benfield et al and Linda Horton.
We hope that you have had an excellent festive season and look forward to your support in the year ahead. Happy 2012!!
