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How We Got Started

There is a severe need for animal rescue in Guyana, South America. Every day hundreds of animals are starved to death, beaten, mutilated, and succumbed to death by illnesses here in Guyana. My wife and I start our day at 3 am. Debbie cooks huge pots of food and off we go roaming the streets and different villages/towns feeding and caring for every different type of our furry helpless friends; from dogs and cats to horses and even various kinds of birds. Debbie continues the rest of her day caring for and feeding these animals as I take off to work in order to generate income to continue our mission, and then I rejoin her immediately after work. We then continue our mission of rescuing these beautiful souls together, most times until late into the evenings when we are both satisfied that these animals have been fed and cared for in whatever way possible we can. Then it starts all over again the next day for seven (7) days a week without one day off because Debbie and I cannot be at ease and will be extremely uncomfortable just one day knowing that these beautiful creatures have not eaten or cared for one day.

Our Mission

To advocate for the protection, care, and rehabilitation of animals in Guyana, providing rescue services, food, and veterinary care to helpless creatures.

Our Vision

A future where animals are treated with kindness and respect, free from cruelty and neglect In Guyana.

Our Objectives

  • Advocate for positive change in attitudes towards animals in Guyana.
  • Feed animals daily to prevent hunger and starvation.
  • Rescue animals that are being abused, mutilated, or neglected.
  • Provide veterinary care whenever possible.
  • Build shelters across Guyana for rescued animals.

Our Goals

  • Establish animal shelters across Guyana.
  • Secure donations and sponsorships to sustain the rescue and care of animals.
  • Create awareness and education about animal welfare in the community.

Our Team

Alvin Changur

President

Alvin Changur is a devoted and visionary advocate for animal welfare in Guyana. As the Founder and President of the Guyana Foundation for Animal Rescue and Welfare (GFARW), Alvin has dedicated his life to protecting the country’s most vulnerable animals. Based in Enterprise, on Guyana’s East Coast, Alvin—alongside his wife Debbie Changur—has transformed their home into a sanctuary for abandoned, stray, and injured animals. What began as a personal act of compassion has evolved into one of Guyana’s most committed and respected grassroots animal rescue initiatives.

Debbie Changur

Welfare Advocate & Trustee

Debbie Changur is a dedicated animal welfare advocate and trustee member of the Guyana Foundation for Animal Rescue and Welfare (GFARW). As the wife of Alvin Changur, the Foundation’s President, Debbie plays a vital role in shaping the organization’s mission and outreach. Her deep compassion for animals and commitment to community service have made her an influential figure within the foundation and beyond.

Bibi Khan

Assistant Treasurer & Board Member

Bibi Khan is a trained and certified healthcare professional from the United States, with years of experience in compassionate, patient-centered care. During her career, she worked at a respected elderly care medical institution in New York, where she provided support and medical assistance to seniors in need. This experience shaped her deep sensitivity to vulnerability, strengthened my capacity for empathy, and instilled in her the importance of advocacy for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Colin Changur

Trustee

Colin Changur serves as a dedicated Trustee of the Guyana Foundation for Animal Rescue & Welfare (GFARW), where he plays a vital role in shaping the vision, strategy, and impact of the organization. A passionate advocate for animal rights and welfare, Colin brings not only leadership and experience to the Foundation but also a lifelong compassion for animals and a strong sense of civic duty.

Nigel Danraj

Committee Member

Nigel Danraj, a proud native of the Essequibo Coast, has always carried a deep love for animals—a love that began in childhood and has only grown stronger over the years. From the earliest stages of his life, Nigel felt a strong sense of empathy and responsibility for the well-being of animals, often going out of his way to feed, care for, or rescue any animal in need. This early bond laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to animal advocacy.

Sonia Nurhausain

Committee Member

Ms. Sonia Nurhausain is a dedicated and compassionate member of the Guyana Foundation for Animal Rescue & Welfare (GFARW), proudly serving as a Committee Member. With a deep-rooted love for animals and a strong sense of social responsibility, Sonia brings both heart and purpose to her role within the organization.

Carmelita Persaud Whyte

Trustee

With a career spanning over two decades, Carmelita Persaud Whyte has established herself as a trusted and highly experienced accountant, bringing professionalism, precision, and a deep sense of responsibility to every role she undertakes. Her extensive background in finance and administration has equipped her with the skills to manage complex operations, maintain financial transparency, and support the sustainable growth of both businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Aleana Bahadur

Trustee

Aleana Bahadur, a devoted animal advocate from Parfaite Harmonie, brings heart, experience, and unwavering dedication to her role with the Guyana Foundation for Animal Rescue & Welfare (GFARW). From a young age, Aleana felt a natural connection with animals and a strong sense of responsibility to protect them. That early compassion has grown into a lifelong mission to give a voice to the voiceless.

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