This Week - Robert Fischer on Furs

I am just repeating what I wrote last month when Robert's talk was postponed.

 

Since his return to South Africa in 1994, Robert became the driving force and the next generation of the Fischer Furs history. Fischer Furs, is now the new official, name of the business, the name which honours itself to three generations of Specialist Furriers and known to many very satisfied customers, in South Africa and globally as the “absolute best Furriers”.

“I am absolutely honoured and humbled that my family has spent 114 years to date (2024 ). We are known as one of the last specialist Furriers in the world, who have continued for over 114 years to make high end absolute top quality Fur, leather, and cloth garments made to order.

All our garments are mostly hand crafted and made in house from individually ultra top end, selected pelts and hides only exceptionally brilliant enough for our clients. 

Modern fur sourcing emphasises responsibility, with strict standards for animal welfare and sustainability. It is natural to have ethical questions about fur, and today’s fur industry has evolved to address these concerns with rigorous standards. Responsible fur farming practices and sustainable wild harvesting are now core principles of reputable fur suppliers. In many countries, fur farms operate under strict regulations that ensure animals are treated humanely and kept in healthy conditions. For example, farmed mink and fox are raised with oversight of veterinarians and are provided proper food, shelter, and care to minimise stress. Industry certification programs like Furmark have been established to guarantee that any fur entering the market meets stringent criteria for animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and traceability . This means that when you purchase a certified real fur coat, you can be confident it was sourced in accordance with well-defined humane standards – from the rearing of the animal to the dressing of the pelt. Traceability initiatives allow consumers to know the origin of their fur, adding transparency that helps ensure ethical practices throughout the supply chain.

Wild-sourced furs (such as beaver, coyote, or fox from regulated wildlife management) are obtained through tightly controlled programs as well. North America, for instance, abides by the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards, which mandates humane trapping methods and supports sustainable wildlife population management . Sustainable fur harvesting in the wild can actually contribute to conservation efforts by preventing overpopulation and habitat damage . Balanced ecology is key – only a portion of natural surpluses are harvested, so species remain abundant. This counters a common misconception that fur use endangers wildlife; in reality, responsible use of fur can go hand-in-hand with wildlife management and biodiversity protection. Moreover, virtually no part of a harvested animal goes to waste: meat may be used (or animals in the wild are part of food chains), and by-products from fur processing can become organic fertilisers or bio fuel , aligning with sustainable use of resources. The fur industry of today is a far cry from the unregulated past – it is a professionally governed sector with ethical codes of practice. By choosing fur from ethical sources, you are supporting those farms and communities that prioritise animal welfare and environmental stewardship. In doing so, you can enjoy the unparalleled luxury of real fur with peace of mind, knowing it was sourced responsibly and with respect for nature.

Last Week

A speaker no-show.  Here's a cartoon to cheer you up.

Next Week

Delight Musa Sithole talks to us about Dlala Nje, an unusual NGO based in Ponte Tower.

International - Canada

When leaders at the Rotary Club of St. Thomas in Ontario noticed a lack of engagement, the club adapted by adjusting its schedule to allow more time for service. The result has been astonishing, with an energised mission and growing interest by prospective members, says Barbara Warnock, immediate past president of the club. “Meeting every week was a
deterrent to new members, and we felt that we needed to have more active participation in local projects,” says Warnock. The club now meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, with the other Wednesdays designated for volunteering at two local organisations: Grace Café, a street mission and soup kitchen, and Harvest Hands, which collects and distributes edible foodstuffs that would ordinarily have been discarded. “Our Rotarians have embraced this work to contribute to feeding those in need,” Warnock says.

• 0

  Seasons of the television series The Voice