Charity Focus
Live Preston & Fylde takes a look at ongoing fundraising projects that see thousands of pounds donated to good causes around the region
CHAMPIONING ANIMAL WELFARE
The RSPCA has had a presence in Preston since 1874 and celebrated 150 years of animal welfare in the city last year. Preston’s animal centre is housed in Ribbleton, providing a safe environment to abandoned, neglected or abused animals, nursing them back to health, rehabilitating them and finding them their forever home.
Claire, branch manager, explains: “The Preston branch is a self-funding branch, separate to the National Society and therefore relies on the generosity of the local community to continue our important welfare work. We focus on cats and dogs only. The centre is one of 135 branches across England and Wales and we successfully rehomed 104 cats and 43 dogs last year.”
As a separately registered charity, Preston’s RSPCA has to do all their own fundraising – this is supported by three charity shops in Penwortham, Chorley and Longridge. With monthly running costs of the branch totalling around £45,000, the charity shops help support the branch by selling second hand goods. All donations of saleable goods are welcomed or if you have any spare time you may like to volunteer at one of the shops.
While the National Society is fighting for animal rights laws and rescuing animal victims of cruelty and neglect, the individual branches, like Preston’s animal centre, are the ones doing the groundwork with the rescued cats and dogs.
The rehabilitation work at Preston’s RSPCA is a crucial part of their mission. Manager Ashleigh explains: “Our rehabilitation efforts involve comprehensive medical care, behaviour training and socialisation. We ensure that each animal receives the attention and care they need to overcome their past traumas and prepare for a new loving home.”
In addition to running the centre and preparing the animals for rehabilitation, there is the ongoing maintenance required of what is an old building which comes with its own issues. Tanya, branch administrator, shares: “Maintaining the facility is a continuous task. We are constantly working on repairs and improvements to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for our animals. We often rely on the local generosity of joiners and gardeners for example to help out when they can. We’re actually on the lookout for a maintenance volunteer and a groundsman/gardener volunteer at the moment.”
The Preston branch remains steadfast in its mission to protect and nurture animals in need, offering them a second chance at life. The community’s support is invaluable and, with a new full board of local trustees due to step up, the future looks promising for RSPCA Preston and the animals they care for.
RSPCA Preston & District Branch
Ribbleton Lane, Preston
01772 792553
rspca-preston.org.uk
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