Kind-hearted Robin, a vetern of many triathlons and taxing physical pursuits in the past, is dedicating his efforts to help raise money that will be donated to the Thalang Animal Hospital so they can continue to conduct the excellent work they do in caring for animals in need, as well as sustaining their critical sterilisation drive.
Next Sunday (Nov 19), Robin will be among over 1,200 competitors from over 30 countries as the 29th edition of the hugely popular Laguna Phuket Triathlon gets underway. Robin will be competing in the Sprint event, comprising a a 500 metre swim followed by a 20km bike ride and a 6km run.
“I won’t be trying for a fast time, I’ll just be happy to get round in one piece – and even happier if I manage to raise a substantial sum to help the animals,” Robin said.
Having adopted a dog himself a while back, the cause behind Robin’s fund-raiser is close to his heart. “Countless stray and abandoned cats and dogs live in the shadows of Phuket so I hope this endeavour can help them by raising funds to support the wonderful work the team at Thalang Animal Hospital do,” he explained.
The Thalang Animal Hospital offers medical care to stricken animals, as well as conducting treatments and administering sterilisation, such a key strategy to containing the ever-increasing number of strays on the streets of the island. They also welcome animals in need who have been brought in by various volunteer-led groups across the island, who generally work of their own accord to lend a helping hand.
Many of these volunteer groups also arrange fostering and adoption services to help secure the animals a loving and safe home. Once a volunteer has taken the stricken animal to the hospital, they can they receive the necessary treatment required, and it is the efforts of people like Robin who help contribute to the hospital’s coffers to allow this to happen.
A Snip in Time, Saves Two Million
“Pivotal to the work of the hospital and the various volunteer groups is the ongoing sterilisation programme - vital to break the cycle of more and more unwanted kittens and puppies being born on the streets,” Robin explained. “To put the need for this in perspective, it is estimated that just one pair of unsterilised cats running rampant can multiply into more than two million unwanted cats in just eight years!
“These various volunteer groups not only help prevent more unwanted cats and dogs being born into misery on the streets but also transform the lives of those already there,” Robin adds. “One example of many is orange and white cat Chi Chi, rescued from the street as a tiny kitten by one particular volunteer group. Chi Chi’s story is an especially desperate one as he was not only abandoned and left helpless but was blind with chicken pox infections in his eyes. To say things didn’t look good is an understatement. However, after being rescued, he underwent a dedicated treatment programme and a long recovery process until he finally regained his sight. Chi Chi was then fostered and subsequently secured adoption into a loving home where he’s now living his best life.”
There are countless other similar examples, Robin explains, but funding is often the true Achilles heel. It is why he is calling on kind-hearted readers of The Phuket News to dig into their pockets to donate whatever they can.
“In just a few weeks since I launched the campaign donations to the appeal now total over B12,000, a figure that conitnues to rise,” he said. “Even the smallest amount can go a significant way to help. For example, B500 will sterilise a male cat, B860 will sterilise a female cat and B380 will vaccinate a cat. It is easy to donate via the campaign website and all currencies are greatfully accepted. Ultimately, it all adds up and makes such a difference.”
It’s been a tough, strange few years, with COVID-19 impacting the way many of us live and view our lives. Kindness and a generosity of spirit were especially prevalent during those unparalleled and testing times, something the stray dogs and cats of Phuket will be hoping can be repeated as Robin strives to help them achieve a healthier and happier life.
To donate to the cause please visit the campaign page here.