Emergency fund-raising appeal launched to help charities affected by COVID-19

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17 April 2020
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Lintbells and Peter Purves launch #RescueYourRescue - a nationwide emergency fund-raising appeal that will urgently help pet rescue charities affected by COVID-19.

Lintbells - the UK’s leading pet supplement company with a mission to keep pets active for life - and broadcasting legend and the iconic voice of Crufts, Peter Purves, are today launching an urgent emergency fundraising appeal to deliver vital finance to pet rescue charities that have been severely affected by COVID-19.

The #RescueYourRescue campaign will help over 100 pet rescue charities around the UK and aims to initially raise £250,000. Pet rescue centres are facing closure due to a lack of funding and lost revenue as a consequence of COVID-19. The loss of funds attributed to adoption fees, centre visits, charity shop sales and fundraising events has left the future of pet rescue charities hanging in the balance.

#RescueYourRescue will urgently raise funds to immediately help safeguard the future of pet rescue charities and the animals that rely on them. Lintbells are immediately donating £10,000 to launch the appeal.

A rapid response is required to help protect the health and welfare of the nation's rescue pets. Recent reports have stated that pet rescue charities are suspending the intake of animals, which could lead to pets being mistreated or abandoned.

Despite the Chancellor announcing a £750 million charity fund, which has been described by some charity chief execs as "little more than a sticking plaster", vital finances are urgently required to protect the future of pet rescue centres around the country. #RescueYourRescue will encourage animal lovers that can afford to donate to help with a minimum donation of £2.

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Peter Purves said: “Pet rescue charities across the country support the welfare of animals that need our help the most. In these difficult circumstances, I’m appealing for animal lovers to work together to support these brilliant centres and the crucial work that they do. Every donation makes a difference, so please give what you can and help spread the word by engaging with the campaign on social media using #RescueYourRescue.”

Lauren Moore, Fundraising Manager, RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield Bradford & District Branch said: “We are a local independent branch of the RSPCA so we have to raise our own funds to keep our animal centre running and look after the animals in our care. This is normally done through our fundraising events and income from our charity shops, but with the current COVID-19 crisis we have had to close our shops and cancel planned events and activities which has had a devastating effect on our funds. We’ve also been forced to close our animal centre and have cancelled any potential adoptions.”

Quick sample costs

  • It costs £500,000 per year to run an RSPCA pet rescue centre
  • £6 can feed a dog for a week
  • £10 covers the cost of food and board per pet
  • That is why #RescueYourRescue is asking animal lovers who can afford to help donate a minimum of £2 per person.

How to help

#RescueYourRescue is working with Virgin Money Giving to raise and distribute funds to over 100 pet rescue charities in the UK. Please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/page/RescueYourRescue select the charity you wish to help support, and donate.

Help us spread the word and raise vital funds by engaging with #RescueYourRescue online, on social media and by visiting www.RescueYourRescue.co.uk. Show your support by sharing the paw-fect high-five with your pet on social media using the #RescueYourRescue and nominate friends to donate too.