Cash donations at charity shops in the UK have dropped by 18 per cent in the last three years, according to money experts Civil Society.
With the cost of living this year, charities have been calling for the public to support them as much as possible. That includes F.A.I.T.H animal rescue in Hickling, Norfolk.
It is a shelter which said it would never turn an animal away.
“With the rising costs of electricity and gas, I can’t even go into how much it cost per day let alone per month,” said animal welfare officer, Becky Nicole.
“We have had quite a few cases of people giving up their animals.
“We’ve had quite a few cases of people losing their houses.
“They can’t afford the bills and the rent moving back in with family and friends. If there are already animals there or not allowed they have to give them up.
“We’re having people give up their animals due to rising vet bills too, they have skyrocketed.
“It’s having a massive impact through and through.
And Becky’s advice for those struggling? “If you can get insurance, do. If not start a savings account, even if you put away £10 a month.” Also, she urged people to not struggle in silence.
F.A.I.T.H relies on donations to keep running.
It recently ran its yearly fundraiser at Minster Church in Great Yarmouth. This year it made £4,846 which is £800 more than the year before.
“We couldn’t believe it,” Becky Nicole said. “We were expecting this year to be not as good as the previous years, as things are not good and people are struggling.”
December is also Operation Santa Paws. This is a scheme that encourages animal lovers to share the gift of giving at shelters everywhere from December 1st to December 24th.
During the cold, winter months, animal shelters have a tendency to become very full. So anything that can be given such as pet food or treats really helps them, they told UEA Journalism.
“It isn’t just money though. Any help is welcome. It can be a blanket bedding or anything like that. Items you might bin, newspapers don’t recycle them give them to us,” said Becky.
F.A.I.T.H takes all animals, including a jersey cow that was heading for slaughter after a man who was retiring had to give her up, and saw it as a pet.
Elsewhere in Norfolk
“We have to raise £800 a day to keep the sanctuary open.” Another local animal charity Hallswood Animal Sanctuary said.
“We are caring for 1600 animals and birds at the moment.
“We rely only on donations.”
