Little Irchester charity fears it has lost £60,000 in fundraising due to Covid

A charity fears it has lost £60,000 in fundraising due to Covid-19.

Animals In Need in Little Irchester is a registered charity which rescues and re-homes hundreds of animals across the county each year.

It has a dedicated team of volunteers who help with the day-to-day running of the animal sanctuary as well as helping with fundraising.

The charity also relies heavily on the support of the public who make it possible for them to continue doing the valuable work they do with animals in need.

But as with many other charities, the pandemic has meant that almost all fundraising has been cancelled this year and it has left Animals In Need short of thousands of pounds that they would normally receive through donations or fundraisers.

Annie Marriott from the charity based at Pine Tree Farm in Little Irchester said: "This year we have lost over £60,000 in fundraising cancelled due to Covid."

In a bid to try and raise much-needed cash earlier this year, Annie was one of four people who had their heads shaved for the charity which raised more than £2,000.

And the charity is now running a Christmas raffle with dozens of prizes up for grabs to raise more vital funds.

Annie said: "Please support our incredible Christmas raffle with 40 prizes to be won.

"If you haven't got your tickets there is still time.

"£1 a ticket and the draw will take place on December 18.

"Thank you to the wonderful people who have purchased and the companies who have donated.

"We couldn't do this without you."

The raffle has raised nearly £500 so far but Annie is hoping they can get this figure much higher.

You can buy tickets by clicking here.

Another way people can help is by re-homing some of the animals being looked after by the charity, including gerbils George, Gerrard, Gordon and Gino.

Annie said: "These one-year-old gerbil best friends would like a huge home together with space to explore, dig and burrow."

Yorkshire terriers Tillie and Tiki are five-year-old best friends who need to be re-homed together.

Annie said: "They came in to rescue because their dad sadly passed away.

"They have been much loved and are super friendly.

"They are good with other dogs but not used to cats or children."

If you would like to re-home any of these animals or for more information email [email protected].

For more details about Animals In Need and its work, click here.

Has your charity lost out on fundraising due to coronavirus? If so, get in touch by emailing [email protected] or via our Facebook page.

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