Durban — A Phoenix woman has been recognised for her charity work with animals.
Reshani Garib, 40, recently received the Influential Women Award 2023 from Big M Productions for serving the community and her hard work with, and dedication to, animals. She received the award at a red carpet event at Sibaya Casino on May 20.
“Please do not abandon or abuse animals. There is always a higher authority that will help you,” Garib said about the message she wanted to share.
@proudlysai_reshanipanday #SAMA28 💖Public figure 💃 #InfluentialWoman Reshani Panday Garib 💃 #BeTheChangeYouWantToSeeInTheWorld ♬ original sound - Proudly_Sai Reshani Panday
She said her love for animals started at a very young age.
“My passion and caring for them (animals) started as a teen and going out and doing charity work for many years now,” Garib said.
She said she mainly helped dogs and cats. Her focus area was Phoenix, but she was also contacted by people asking for help outside Phoenix, in areas such as Chatsworth and Verulam.
She said it was not just strays she dealt with, but also pet owners who could not afford food.
“I buy food and distribute it, too,” Garib said.
“I also take hurt animals for medical treatment. I also do hospital feeding of stray animals.”
Garib said where and when she could not help, she referred people to the SPCA or other organisations.
“I don’t rely on donations. It all comes out of my pocket,” Garib said.
Speaking on how she could afford to provide for the animals, Garib said she was self-employed and was also a landlord, while her husband had a day job.
On how much she spent on animals monthly, she said every month was different. She had vet accounts for treatment, but monthly she spent between R6 000 and R8 000.
“If it is above that, I ask for help or refer to other organisations,” Garib said.
“I work very closely with Stray Paws founder Shabnam Baran.”
@proudlysai_reshanipanday #fypシ 💖💖💖Aww his voice is so amazing😘 #influentialwoman 2023 #BeTheChangeYouWantToSeeInTheWorld ♬ original sound - Proudly_Sai Reshani Panday
Garib said what she did was very time-consuming.
Looking back to the Covid-19 lockdown, Garib said she had a pass for animals that needed help. She would receive calls as late as 11pm or 1am.
She said she would ask security company G4U Protection to protect or escort her to certain areas.
Garib added that anyone who wanted information or basic care or wished to donate could email her at [email protected].
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Daily News