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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - With the lockdown prohibiting them from doing what they love best - rescuing marine animals, the volunteers of the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.) have had a tough time.

According to S.M.A.R.T. chief executive officer Janine Perreira, many of the volunteers are single people who live alone, so the group members went to particular trouble to stay in touch and support one another other during the lockdown.

“We hosted activities, such as photo competitions or wearing funny masks, online.”

One of these competitions was suggested by volunteer and cameraman, Johann Nysschen. “I suggested a singing competition and the end result was a video compilation set to the Louis Armstrong classic, What a wonderful world.”

In the song, four voices are heard, that of two siblings and also S.M.A.R.T. CEO Perreira and S.M.A.R.T. founder member, Tersia Marais.

What made Marias’ contribution particularly special, was that after having suffered a stroke in July 2019 which affected her speech, she had to practise really hard to get the words right. “I practised for an hour,” Marais told the Mossel Bay Advertiser proudly.

Perreira said the lockdown had been a difficult time for the volunteers. “We found it hard not being able to do our regular sea patrols. This time of year baby turtles wash ashore and we have no way of knowing how many or to handle emergencies.

"Fortunately, one of two of our volunteers are essential workers and do keep an eye out for them, if and when they can.”

As for the video of the singing, Nysschen said his work in producing it kept him sane. “It is the thought that counts: the fact that although we are kilometres apart, we can still do something together.”

Watch a video below:

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