Following the launch of the Ukraine fundraising appeal at Crufts 2022, The Kennel Club Charitable Trust has revealed that the donation figures currently stands at over £114,600.
The organisation had been spearheading the UK fundraising drive over the four-day event, in order to send vital supplies to animals and their owners who are facing starvation and death in animal shelters, and to those who have been forced to flee their homes in Ukraine.
The money raised from the Ukraine appeal will be sent to the international dog organisation, the FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) – which is in a position to help those in need in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, through its network of Kennel Clubs on the ground. The FCI fund, Solidarity for Ukraine, will help to provide vital medicines, food and transport for the tens of thousands of animals in Ukraine, or those who have escaped with their families to neighbouring countries.
The Kennel Club and The Kennel Club Charitable Trust created a starting fund of £50,000 and donations, from those showing their dogs, Breed Clubs and visitors, across the four-day event, have since increased the fund by a further £64,600, with pledges and donations continuing to flood in.
Mark Beazley, Chief Executive of The Kennel Club, said: “Like many others, The Kennel Club has been shocked and horrified by events in Ukraine but to see such a fantastic response to the fundraising appeal is incredibly heartening to see. We are so grateful to those dog lovers, from all across the country, who have opened their hearts to show solidarity for those people and their animals in Ukraine, who are in desperate need.”
Bill King, Chairman of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, said: “It has been incredibly moving to see the outpouring of support shown for people and dogs in Ukraine and we are truly honoured that The Kennel Club Charitable Trust is able to help and is in a position to collate these funds. We are so grateful to those that have donated and will be discussing with the FCI at how the money can best support those dogs and people in need.”
Anyone who wishes to contribute to the Ukraine fundraising appeal is being asked to donate via The Kennel Club’s Charitable Foundation website by visiting kennelclubcharitabletrust.org.