We are a registered, non-profit organisation, hosted by Cornerstone Veterinary Services in Robertson, providing ongoing primary veterinary care services to underprivileged communities in Robertson and the surrounding areas. We opened our doors in December 2017.
Dedicated vets Helen and Marianne and their amazing backup team Del, Prince, Alex and Zelda work tirelessly to make a difference in marginalised areas. Their work ethic, camaraderie and large doses of laughter continue to facilitate a happy working environment which spills over into underpriviledged communities
Helen Moore - Founder
After completing her BSc (UCT) Helen qualified as a veterinarian at Onderstepoort in 2007. Over the next 10 years she gained valuable work experience in KZN, Cape Town and Robertson where Cornerstone Veterinary Services opened its doors in 2017. In a bid to serve all areas of Robertson, Helen founded the JMAW, hosted by Cornerstone. Thanks to the ongoing dedication and camaraderie within her welfare ‘family,’ huge strides are being made in the marginalized communities. Helen is married to Robin Moore, equine vet and co-owner of Cornerstone. Their young son is no stranger to animals – constantly surrounded by a loving motley crew of four-legged playmates; 3 dogs and 2 cats. – all rescues
After completing her BSc (UCT) Helen qualified as a veterinarian at Onderstepoort in 2007. Over the next 10 years she gained valuable work experience in KZN, Cape Town and Robertson where Cornerstone Veterinary Services opened its doors in 2017. In a bid to serve all areas of Robertson, Helen founded the JMAW, hosted by Cornerstone. Thanks to the ongoing dedication and camaraderie within her welfare ‘family,’ huge strides are being made in the marginalized communities. Helen is married to Robin Moore, equine vet and co-owner of Cornerstone. Their young son is no stranger to animals – constantly surrounded by a loving motley crew of four-legged playmates; 3 dogs and 2 cats. – all rescues
Marianne van der Mescht
After graduating with a BSc (US) degree, Marie graduated as a veterinarian in 2018. She completed her community service in Robertson. During the course of her studies, Helen provided her with unparalleled guidance and became her mentor and friend. Marie developed a passion for welfare work and considers herself honoured to be serving by Helen’s side. Even though she has Karoo blood pumping through her veins, she decided wine would be a good blood thinner and made Robertson her home. She shares her salary with a crazy goofball husky, 3 horses and 2 anti-social cats.
After graduating with a BSc (US) degree, Marie graduated as a veterinarian in 2018. She completed her community service in Robertson. During the course of her studies, Helen provided her with unparalleled guidance and became her mentor and friend. Marie developed a passion for welfare work and considers herself honoured to be serving by Helen’s side. Even though she has Karoo blood pumping through her veins, she decided wine would be a good blood thinner and made Robertson her home. She shares her salary with a crazy goofball husky, 3 horses and 2 anti-social cats.
Del Jones
Since emigrating from Wales to South Africa in 1985, Del has dedicated her life to animal welfare. Her early days included mobile clinics in Alexander, Soweto and Eldorado Park leading to a qualification as an Animal Welfare Assistant and Inspector in 1995, followed by Senior Inspector in 1999. Working for a national welfare organization exposed her to several diverse industries; including export, intensive farming systems, game capture, domestics and legislation. In later years she concentrated on managing the national livestock unit involving religious and conventional slaughter. Del currently enjoys working in a smaller, more manageable community where she willingly shares her experience, wisdom and laughter with her fellow workers.
Since emigrating from Wales to South Africa in 1985, Del has dedicated her life to animal welfare. Her early days included mobile clinics in Alexander, Soweto and Eldorado Park leading to a qualification as an Animal Welfare Assistant and Inspector in 1995, followed by Senior Inspector in 1999. Working for a national welfare organization exposed her to several diverse industries; including export, intensive farming systems, game capture, domestics and legislation. In later years she concentrated on managing the national livestock unit involving religious and conventional slaughter. Del currently enjoys working in a smaller, more manageable community where she willingly shares her experience, wisdom and laughter with her fellow workers.
Alex van As
Alex moved from Kimberley to Robertson in 2017 and started working as Dr Robin’s equine assistant. When Cornerstone opened its doors, Alex met Helen and was introduced to the JMAW. Helen immediately spotted Alex’s potential and “stole” her from her husband! This was the start of an amazing, productive and close-knit welfare team.
Alex moved from Kimberley to Robertson in 2017 and started working as Dr Robin’s equine assistant. When Cornerstone opened its doors, Alex met Helen and was introduced to the JMAW. Helen immediately spotted Alex’s potential and “stole” her from her husband! This was the start of an amazing, productive and close-knit welfare team.
“The John Moore Animal Welfare team has become like family to me and it is an honour to be able to make a difference in the community alongside such a strong, dedicated and loving group of people.”
Tinashe Prince Dzotizei
Prince, as he is known by his friends and colleagues is an indispensable member of the team. As a founder member of Cornerstone, he was initially employed as a kennel hand. From the outset, he used every opportunity to gain knowledge and experience, observing procedures and assisting at all welfare spay-days. He was soon promoted to veterinary assistant – a role he undertakes with dedication and enthusiasm. As an excellent animal handler, Prince is relied upon to control every feisty cat.
Prince, as he is known by his friends and colleagues is an indispensable member of the team. As a founder member of Cornerstone, he was initially employed as a kennel hand. From the outset, he used every opportunity to gain knowledge and experience, observing procedures and assisting at all welfare spay-days. He was soon promoted to veterinary assistant – a role he undertakes with dedication and enthusiasm. As an excellent animal handler, Prince is relied upon to control every feisty cat.
Zelda Kloppers
After 25 years in Marketing, Zelda found her real purpose in life.
After 25 years in Marketing, Zelda found her real purpose in life.
“Working with animals is a blessing - rescuing and rehoming is a dream come true!”Zelda joined Cornerstone in 2018 and was soon recruited as fund-raiser for JMAW. Her enthusiasm knows no bounds. She organises innovative fund-raising drives as well as educational programs where she guides people, young and old, on the wellbeing of their animals. Her home is a hive of activity with husband, two children, 4 dogs and a cat – and whatever crosses her path.
Michelle Uren
Michelle Uren joined John Moore Animal Welfare in October 2021 as an administrative, communications and fundraising assistant.
After graduating from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Social Science Honours Degree, Michelle soon realized that her true passion lay in working with animals.
Michelle Uren joined John Moore Animal Welfare in October 2021 as an administrative, communications and fundraising assistant.
After graduating from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor of Social Science Honours Degree, Michelle soon realized that her true passion lay in working with animals.
“I feel honoured and extremely proud to be a part of the John Moore Animal Welfare team and to be able to play a small role in making a difference in the lives of the animals in our community”.