Paphiakos

[smudger]

Sorry Dom, I know this is charities, but it's pretty important I think.

There is an article in the latest Paphos Post freebie stating that Paphiakos are so short of funds that they are seriously considering closing down. This will be a massive event for Cyprus to cope with. No other animal charity cares for as many animals as Paphiakos do, and as a volunteer for many years I have always known how close to the breadline they have operated and how they have struggled for funds.

Can I ask everyone to please do anything they can to help - funds, food/goods, events etc etc particularly on a long term basis to prevent this catastrophe happening, it truly will be disastrous both for the animals currently in their care and for the future loss of the massive work they do on the island in animal welfare.

[Firefly]

So sorry to hear that Paphiakos are struggling for funds, it is indeed a lifeline for many abused and injured animals. Christine I am sure has devoted her life to the cause and it would be a very dark day for Cyprus and it's animals, if they close the doors. I hope people take up the challenge and start to raise funds for them, God knows the animals need it.

Jackie

[cyprusmax47]

This charity is obviously better managed....
http://cyprus-mail.com/2017/11/19/revam ... phos-dogs/

[smudger]

Unworthy comment Max, we're not talking like for like here, far from it.

Today the volunteers from the Paphiakos Boook Exchange in Tremithousa had our Christmas lunch in Ollies Taverna and the plight highlighted in the Post was a hot topic of conversation, and just as an instant start we all agreed to bring in a tin of cat or dog food each week, more if we can manage/afford it. So I wondered if we could ask every customer coming to the shop to bring a tin with them each time they come to the shop (you are still welcome to join us even if you're not a customer!). Not a lot, but a quick easy start and every little helps. There were lots of other suggestions and ideas buzzing around, but in their infancy so will update as and when they happen.

Please give this serious situation some thought, I'm sure there must be dozens of ideas buzzing around out there to help this crisis!

[smudger]

Well said Flossie, thanks.

[Poppy]

I agree. All animal charities in Paphos do a great job but many of them can say no and,whilst I can understand why,PAWS seem to accept dogs that they know are more easily re-homeable.
Whilst I have had issues with Paphiakos, Paphos would be a much poorer place without them.

[PaphosAL]

Well said, Hudswell !!!

Let's not forget that enormous area of Paphiakos borrowed land (that Leptos keep trying to snatch back for development) up behind the Limnaria Centre opposite the Alexander the Great Hotel.

Donkeys, mules, horses roaming free. In the centre, near a pile of rocks known as the 'Shrine of Apollo' is a large detached house, where all the dogs are nicely kept. Everyone on site giving these animals TLC are all ex-pat volunteers, fair play to them!

I always paid a visit each trip, and handed over a tidy donation to one of the staff. Will do the same when I come out in February. So there is a good idea for you and your kids and perhaps visitors. Get out to this place armed with a bag of apples...

Get up close to the friendly donkeys, mules, horses and give them a treat! But please leave a nice donation with one of the faithful volunteers on site...

AL

[smudger]

Thanks Al and thanks Hudswell, donkeys I know are not the quietest neighbours!!

[Dominic]

Does the donkey sanctuary have opening times? I went a couple of times and I had to content myself with seeing the donkeys from the fence and playing with the cats by the gate. Is there a doorbell that I missed, or do they have set opening times? I would like to do a blog about the place as it looks fascinating, and, who knows, it could help publicise their cause?

[Dominic]

It would definitely be good publicity. Who can resist a donkey?

The times you give would tally with my experience. I previously tried in the afternoons. I shall try again next week in the morning. At the very least I will get to play with the cats again.

[Cactuslil]

There are more & more shelters opening up & all still have growing numbers. I think they ALL do a tremendous job & having worked at one of them,it is truly heartbreaking to see some of the poor animals that arrive there. Paphiakos was one of the first & it’s true they take all animals but at the same time they have quite a number of paid staff & paid volunteers. Their rehoming charges are also high whereas many of the others simply ask for donations.

[smudger]

Paphiakos is the oldest sanctuary in Paphos, takes in by far the largest number of animals in Paphos, indeed the island, and does more to promote animal welfare in the communities than any other charity or sanctuary.

The charges reflect the government recommendations, but they are the only sanctuary to freely neuter stray cats, this along with their work in the communities - schools etc - is to to try and control the numbers of stray cats. No other sanctuary or vet does this even though the government provides funds.

If you can find vets, or veterinary nurses, or kennel staff, or kitchen staff, or accounts staff........who are able to - and will - work on a voluntary basis and not require a wage then please let Christine know urgently, she will be delighted.

I never understand why people expect charities to use only volunteers and pay out no wages/salaries. Great idea but simply does not work in practice. There are nowhere near enough qualified people floating around who do not require an income, if you know of any send them to the charities PDQ!!

[lefkes]

We see lots of charities on t v asking for a small monthly donations, is it possible to set up a standing order through the bank into the Paphiakos account . A small regular amount by a number of people would make a difference ,I would do so.

[smudger]

It is Lefkes -

http://www.cyprusanimalwelfare.com/how-to-donate.html

Thanks so much x

[galexinda]

Perhaps not a popular suggestion but I have often wondered why the various animal charities that look after one specific type of animal do not join forces and work under one 'umbrella'. By all means keep the various shelters in their respective locations.

[Cactuslil]

I never understand why people expect charities to use only volunteers and pay out no wages/salaries. Great idea but simply does not work in practice. There are nowhere near enough qualified people floating around who do not require an income, if you know of any send them to the charities PDQ!!

I didn’t say that I expected that to happen. I was merely making a statement which I know to be true. I also do not intend to get into an argument.

[Firefly]

I don't think there are any of us that cannot afford 5 Euros, if we all donated that amount, it would be a start. Maybe Dominic can shed some light on how much we could raise, i.e number of posters on PL x 5.

Jackie

[PaphosAL]

€4,250

[smudger]

Firefly this would be a fantastic help to the animals! Please, please everyone, donate whatever you can afford, every cent will be so appreciated xx

[smudger]

Cactuslil, yes you may have been making a statement which you know to be true, many many of us here know too. The point is, what is your point??