Riding to the rescue

For members of the Odysseus Motorcycle Club, there is more to a ride than the sound of engines and open roads - it’s about community and compassion.

On Saturday, October 12, the club set out from N1 City for a charity ride to Fallen Angels Pet Rescue near Melkbosstrand, bringing with them donations of food, money, and supplies for the animals.

Earlier in the month, the bikers paid R7,500 directly to Fallen Angels’ vet account at West Beach Animal Hospital. This was followed by R3,850 worth of food, blankets, and supplies, and R1,000 in cash donations, bringing the total value of their support to over R13,000. 

A local donor also gifted toys for the animals.

Member and media liaison for the club, Basil Forbes, said it was an “awesome experience” visiting the shelter. 

The highlight of the day, he said, included the adoption of one of the rescue dogs by his friend and Odysseus member Dick De Kroon.

“Fallen Angels’ volunteer Karen Stramrood showed us around the Melkbosstrand farm, where we got to play with the animals, and Odysseus member Robert Todd went shopping for supplies for the animals. The day was just a great success,” he said.

Fallen Angels co-founder Gayl Basson said the bikers’ visit left a lasting impression.

“It really warmed our hearts when the amazing members from the Odysseus Motorcycle Club donated over R12,000 toward our animal care and spent time walking and loving our dogs. What a difference kind-hearted people can make,” she said.

The Odysseus Motorcycle Club, with about 85 members, regularly supports charities and community projects across the city.