Animal Welfare Charity Urges Public to ‘Donate a Dinner’ to Homeless Animals in Honour of World Animal Day
As World Animal Day approaches on October 4, animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation is calling on the public to support their local rescue centres by ‘donating a dinner’ to a homeless animal. With the number of abandoned and surrendered pets on the rise, community support has become more crucial than ever for these shelters.
Naturewatch Foundation, based in Gloucestershire, coordinates World Animal Day, a global event that brings together animal advocates to promote animal welfare and protection. To kick off the celebrations, the charity has collected food for their local rescue centre, Cheltenham Animal Shelter, which currently houses 72 animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Chief Executive Officer of Naturewatch Foundation and coordinator of World Animal Day, Sarah Carr, stated, “World Animal Day on October 4 is just around the corner! It’s the biggest day of the year for animals and we’re inviting everyone to be an important part of it by providing a nourishing meal to an animal in need. Our local shelter does an incredible job of rescuing and rehoming animals in the area and we’re proud to support them by donating 72 dinners for their current residents.”
Carr continued, “It would be fantastic if other animal lovers around the UK could give just one meal to their local shelter! Or why not go one step further and organise a collection – maybe at your workplace, college or social club? Every contribution, big or small, will make a real difference to homeless animals and the dedicated people who take care of them. So, let’s join forces and donate a dinner on World Animal Day!”
There are several ways to ‘Donate a Dinner’ to homeless animals:
– Drop off a packet or tin in the shelter’s collection box or at a food bank collection point in a local supermarket.
– Donate food in person at the animal shelter.
– Check if the shelter has an Amazon Wishlist, where organisations usually include items of various prices.
– Donate the cost of a dinner via the shelter’s website.
Erica Landon, Community Engagement Officer at Cheltenham Animal Shelter, expressed gratitude for Naturewatch Foundation’s support and for highlighting the importance of helping local rescue centres on World Animal Day. She stated, “Donations of food are essential in providing our animals with the care they deserve, especially as the number of abandoned pets continues to rise. Each meal donated directly impacts the wellbeing of the animals in our care, and with 72 residents at the shelter currently, the need for community support has never been greater. A huge thank you to everyone who chooses to ‘Donate a Dinner’ and make a difference to these animals’ lives.”
The Naturewatch Foundation team understands that some animal lovers may be unable to donate in the current economic climate. Carr reassured, “Don’t forget – if you’re struggling to feed the animals in your family, there is help available. Larger charities, including the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Dogs Trust, all run pet food banks to help animals stay with their families during these unpredictable times.”
For those interested in getting more involved on World Animal Day, the website offers event ideas and helpful resources – worldanimalday.org.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.