Open day raises funds to help animals in need

Friends of the Animals raised over £1,000 during an open day to celebrate their 30th birthday.

The grand raffle was a key fundraiser, with a range of prizes donated by generous individual supporters, supermarkets and other national and local companies

The charity last year provided veterinary treatment for 3,400 poorly animals and over the last 30 years has re-homed over 9,000 pets and helped to spay or neuter more than 40,000 animals.

The charity’s founder Helen Sinclair MBE paid tribute to the staff, volunteers and supporters. She said: “The people who support us all through the year really are the lifeblood of Friends of the Animals. I’d like to pay tribute to all our wonderful volunteers who help us in so many ways, more than 95 per cent of our work is done by them, supported by a small, hard-working and dedicated team of staff.

“We are always looking for more volunteers so that we can help even more animals who need us. There are lots of opportunities, from fund-raising and helping out on our stall in summer shows, home-checking prospective adopters, administration, fostering animals or helping out with car-boot sales. Whatever your skill we will find something fun and interesting for you to do.”

“Here’s to the next 30 years.”

To celebrate the milestone the charity is offering 30 per cent off of their already reduced charity prices for spaying and neutering.

One thrilled winner was six-year-old Sofia Forment from Newport who correctly guessed the name of Sparkle the giant rabbit. Her Mum Donna said: “Sofia was so over the moon to win this giant bunny. Sparkle is now sat at the bottom of her bed, but at first, she did try to get it into bed with her.”