Striders Charity of the Year

Desford Striders are proud to be supporting Leicester Animal Aid as Charity of the Year for 2021!

It is the first time the club has chosen to support an animal charity and has done so at a time of real need for all good causes, with the global Covid-19 pandemic having had such a profound impact on fundraising.

Founded in 1956, Animal Aid provides care for up to 50 dogs and 35 cats at any one time at its 4.5 acre site in Huncote, which includes canine play areas, agility courses, a sensory garden, education centre and luxury cattery with secure outdoor play areas.

The charity also has an onsite charity shop and sells dog and cat food and accessories in its reception and cattery.  Please visit their website to see what they have to offer.

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Fundraising Manager Helen Wilber explained: “In an average year, we care for up to 400 animals who are lost, neglected, found stray, are unwanted or have been given up because their owners can no longer care for them.

“Our vision is placing pets in loving, responsible homes.”

Helen explained that, despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, the charity continues to match animals with new ‘forever homes’ and take enquiries from interested parties about the cats and dogs in their care. However, the matching is having to be done remotely.  If you are considering getting a rescue dog or cat, visit their website or give them a call on 01455 888257.

One thing that remains consistent is Animal Aid’s Community Pet Support Scheme.

“We help members of the community who are housebound, disabled and socially isolated to continue to care for their pets at home,” said Helen. “This has the benefit of preventing pets who already have loving homes from coming into rescue, and helping to combat loneliness for some of the more vulnerable members of the community.”

Helen added: “We are trying to adapt and do more online, so we are always very grateful for new followers on Instagram, Facebook and You Tube.

“Our social media and newsletter are always full of positive stories about animals finding their matches and are a lot of fun to follow!”

Striders have always proved they will go that extra mile, sometimes literally, to raise vital funds for their Charity of the Year and we hope 2021 will be just as successful!

More information about Leicester Animal Aid, including how to become a member and learn more about donations support the animals they help, can be found on their website.