RSPCA teams up with Foodbank to provide vulnerable owners with food for their pets and Darling chats to Trustee Carmel Suthons
RSPCA and Foodbank scheme aims to keep people with their pets.
Over one million people have applied for Universal Credit since the Covid-19 lockdown began, and the charity understands that people may be worried about continuing to care for their much-loved pets. By providing people with pet food, the local branches hope they can do their bit to help keep people with their pets through this difficult time.”
Pet Foodbank
Ali Hellewell, RSPCA Trustee, Wimbledon, Wandsworth & Sutton Branch, said: “We know that this is a challenging time for everyone and that some pet owners are extremely worried about continuing to care for their pets through the Covid-19 crisis. We hope to ease some of that pressure by teaming up with the Wimbledon Foodbank to provide pet food for the pet owners who are most in need. Even in the midst of a pandemic we are a nation of animal lovers and the Foodbank has seen people in difficult times who have chosen to feed their pets over feeding themselves, which shows why this service is so important.
“We cannot do this alone, however, which is why we are asking animal lovers to donate to help us get pet food to those who need it the most.”
Jon Featherstone, Chair of the Wimbledon Foodbank, said: “We are currently providing three days of food packages for up to 150 people a day and we estimate that around 20% of those are pet owners. Ourselves and the RSPCA are keen to help people stay with their pets, who often provide much needed emotional support through this difficult time.” If you can support the RSPCA Pet Foodbank team visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/rspca-food-bank-covid-campaign
Ali added: “We know now is the time for the community to pull together. We are doing our bit to help pet owners across South London and are appealing for our kind supporters to help us, by making urgently needed donations via our Pet Foodbank Crowdfunder.
Donations at Pets at Home New Malden and Plough Lane
“The branches have already received generous donations of pet food from Pets At Home and we are in discussions with other businesses as well. We are working closely with Jon and the Foodbank network, with a view to expanding in various locations beyond South London over the next few weeks.” Additionally, shoppers at local Pets at Home New Malden and Plough Lane are able to donate items at a collection point in both stores.
Carmel Suthons RSPCA Wimbledon, Wandsworth & Sutton Branch: email trustee1@rspcawimbledonandsutton.org.uk 07703 355797
