When Janine Storman-van Zyl learned that the nearest SPCA was over 200 km away from Matzikama, she knew something needed to be done for the area’s animals in need. With upcycled coffee pods and a team of women warriors in her corner—the Angel Project has earned its wings.
Matzikama, South Africa (17 September 2024) — There’s a new team on a mission to better the lives of animals in Matzikama, and they’re doing it by upcycling coffee pods into gorgeous doses of angel decor. Meet the Angel Project!
Established just last year in August and officially registered as a Non-Profit Company in September that year, the Angel Project was sparked into creation as a response to the concerning lack animal welfare organisations serving the area.
“I saw that there was a great need for an animal rescue/welfare organisation as there is no SPCA in the Matzikama Sub-District, West Coast District where the Angel Project is based,” shares founder Janine Storman-van Zyl.
With the nearest SPCA being over 200 km away in Mamesbury, Janine was determined to give the animals of the area, including Vredendal and neighbouring towns, a fighting chance.
“There are many animals that are gravely neglected, abused and whose basic needs are not being met. So the idea was born to fight the explosion of unwanted and ill-treated animals. The thousands of animals in our area just don’t have a fighting chance without our urgent intervention,” she shares.
Coffee Pods, Women Warriors and a Whole Lot of Change
The small team of women who came together as the Angel Project took on a unique task to secure the main source of income for all the projects they carry out—’Angels of Hope’.
By turning Nespresso coffee pods into unique creations, the team have successfully created a means to their mission.
“We have people from afar keeping the used pods for us and once every three months we drive the 300km to Cape Town to go on a collection hunt for the pods, explains Janine whose efforts have already earned her a nomination in the South African Council for Business Woman Recognition Awards for 2024 in the Social Entrepreneur of the Year—Woman Warrior category.
The Impact!
The Angel Project have been able to put the pods to the best use; providing vaccinations and sterilisations for the animals as well as deworming and flea and tick treatments.
“Each animal that the Angel Project assists is then documented and wellness checks are done regularly to ensure that the animal is taken care of and that its basic needs are met.”
Understanding that animal welfare is a holistic endeavour, Janine explains that the team also take on educating pet owners and conducts an educational outreach programme.
Then there’s the feeding program that looks after dogs, cats and even chickens.
“These animals are dependent on the food that we provide as their owners are either unemployed or on SASSA grants. We feed roughly about 50kg of dry dog food a day plus cat and chicken food in the Vredendal,” shares Janine.
On top of this, the team make sure to send food to animal-focused volunteers other areas like Klawer, Vanrhynsdorp, Lutzville and Koekenaap as often as possible.
Angels for Cozy Causes
Thought that was all? Think again! In taking animals under their wings even further, the team are also working on providing as many kennels as they can to the areas in need—each with a blanket in a tow for the many pets who sleep outside.
Janine explains that true to their eco-savvy roots, they make their own kennels out of reclaimed wood and recycled PVC pipes or 210L food grade drums. For the cats, cat shelters and feeding stations are created from 25L plastic container and are said to be “a real hit” with the feral colonies.
Bigger Pods and Plans
Looking to the future, the team already have their summer plans mapped out.
Janine tells us that they have already begun their summer project—bringing fresh water to the animals—where plumber pipes will be manufactured into water stations.
Simultaneously, they’ve got big plans for their Christmas pods range this year and plan to make even larger angels, baubles and bells.
Beyond the pods, the Angels also make sure to host fun-filled fundraisers that help fan the flame of the community.
“We have monthly fundraisers from markets to dances to ladies brunches to evening dinners, auctions, might walks, pancake mornings at our local mall…” Janine lists, adding that the community has been hugely involved in backing them.
Janine shares that a local artist has even started to make clay dog and cat inspired earrings to support their cause in a heartwarming reflection of the little ways people can make a difference.
“The community of Matzikama have been behind us all the way, this village has our back!” Janine beams.
You can keep up with the Angel Project here, pop in for their next market at the Makam Mall in Vredendal on 28 September.
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