Bulldog Rescue and Rehoming Trust has benefited from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust’s (KCCT) recently-launched emergency fund, in order to be able to continue rescuing and finding forever homes dogs in need across the UK amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The West Sussex-based rescue organisation, which has also been personally affected by the pandemic with several members of staff and volunteers taken ill, has received emergency funding from the largest organisation dedicated to dog health and welfare in the UK, the Kennel Club. The funding will help to cover veterinary costs for Bulldogs in their care as well as costs associated with foster care for dogs which are yet to find their new homes.
As a small organisation, the rescue depends on the work of volunteers and income from fundraising activities and events. The ‘Big Bulldog Picnic’, one of the rescue’s key annual events, had to be cancelled due to Covid-19, alongside their regular fundraising activities.
The organisation focuses on rescuing, rehabilitation and rehoming of Bulldogs, carefully matching individual dogs with their new forever home and continuously working with the new owners to ensure both humans and their rescued furry friends are happy. Thanks to the support from the KCCT emergency fund, the Bulldog Rescue and Rehoming Trust can cover a number of veterinary bills and help dogs in need of urgent medical assistance.
Kathryn Harrison, trustee from the Bulldog Rescue and Rehoming Trust said: “We are incredibly grateful for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust’s support. We have had a big increase in Bulldogs coming to our care and this funding helps us to continue helping dogs despite the complications.”
The KCCT Emergency Relief Initiative, which was established in April, was set up to support canine organisations which may be suffering and unable to continue their vital work, which makes a huge difference to dogs, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. All of the applications were considered carefully and funding was allocated to 20 organisations in the most urgent situation.
Other recipients of funds from the KCCT include breed rescue organisations such as the Northern Ireland Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club and Greyhound Rescue, as well as other general smaller dog rescue organisations, such as Friends of Animals Wales - the charity from which Boris Johnson rehomed Dilyn, the Jack Russell Terrier.
Revd. Bill King, Chairman of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust said: “We received a significant number of applications for our emergency funding and had to make some very hard decisions on where funds need to be placed as a matter of urgency.
“Keeping these organisations, which take care of health, welfare and future of dogs from all breeds and backgrounds, functional is a priority for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust. We know that most of smaller organisations depend on funding to keep up their excellent work that save dogs’ lives and we want to ensure they can continue despite the pandemic.
“We are also grateful for Our Dogs newspaper’s help with our appeal which is helping to grow awareness about our fund amongst their readers who have so far donated over £40,000.”
To donate online to the KCCT relief fund and help dogs, volunteers and organisations across the country during this difficult time, visit the Virgin Money Giving website. Alternatively, you can make a donation by text. Simply text ‘KCCT [amount]’ to 70450 to donate the desired amount. For example, if you wish to donate £30, simply text ‘KCCT 30’ to 70450. You will be charged your donation plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about the work of the KCCT and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to make a donation but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text ‘KCCTNOINFO [amount]’ to 70450.