How animal charity became real cracker
It started life in a small flat in Pound Road, Oldbury. But today, Friends of the Animals is a national charity with hundreds of volunteers on its books and thousands of creatures in its care.
It started life in a small flat in Pound Road, Oldbury. But today, Friends of the Animals is a national charity with hundreds of volunteers on its books and thousands of creatures in its care.
The charity was founded 20 years ago by Helen Sinclair after she rescued and rehoused a tiny black dog called Jet from a railway track in Bilston. Now, the organisation has given more than 6,000 animals permanent new homes, provided 20,000 spaying and neutering services and spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on vet treatment.
But volunteers are now bracing themselves for the seasonal drop in donations.
Mrs Sinclair said: "We started from zero but now we are spending £3,000 a week on vet treatment alone.
"We rely entirely on donations and would be so grateful for anything people can spare, whether that be time or money."
The charity's headquarters are in Bearwood Road, Smethwick, but there are now also offices in Clitheroe in Lancashire, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.
Last year, volunteers gave up 13,000 hours of their time. A total of 98 per cent of people involved in Friends of the Animals are volunteers.
The charity is appealing for pet food, animal-related goods, unwanted Christmas presents that can be raffled off and old stamps and currency.
It is also looking for volunteers who can act as foster parents, drivers or people who can check the suitability of homes for the animals.
Mrs Sinclair said: "We are often the last chance of life for these animals.
"We firmly believe in prevention rather than cure and act as quick as possible when the animals need us the most."
The charity offers care, treatment and rehousing to any type of animal. It has been supported by a number of celebrities including TV presenter Jonathan Ross, musician Rick Wakeman and actress Carol Royle.
Friends of the Animals also has a memory tree at its base in Smethwick, where people can hang a Christmas card on the branches in memory of a lost pet or loved one. Call 0121 4204201 for more information or to help.
