In the Dog House

Volunteers at local charity Hope Rescue decided to spend time ‘in the dog house’ to raise money as part of a fundraising appeal. Hope Rescue, based in Llanharan, needs to raise £10,000 to tile the floors of 60 kennels which will improve the health and welfare of the dogs in its care.

Hope Rescue takes all the stray dogs from four local authorities, including Rhondda Cynon Taf, irrespective of their breed, age or medical condition. It operates the stray dog contract for RCT and often takes in dogs suffering from poor health or neglect.

A local property management company, Rhondda Development Co Ltd, has come forward to do the work for free, so Hope Rescue just needs to raise the money to pay for materials.

Amy Greenfield, Hope Rescue’s Fundraising Manager, explained the urgency behind the appeal:

1. “This is a limited time offer while the company is between jobs, so we are against the clock to raise the funds to buy the tiles, adhesive and grout. The total cost is £10,000 — that’s £166 for each kennel.
   
   We are asking people to get involved by taking up our £166 fundraising challenge. Can you run, bake, sew or sing? Whatever your talent, can you use it to raise £166 this month?”

Paul Leyshon, who is a regular volunteer at the rescue centre, even donned a dog suit to take on the challenge and is on track to raise enough money to tile four kennels. He was keen to take part:

1. “I’m fundraising at Hope Rescue to help them raise enough money to tile 60 kennels at the centre, so the rescue dogs will have a safe, clean and warm area to eat, sleep and play.
   
   Please join me in the £166 fundraising challenge.”

Lynne Lloyd-Jones also joined in the challenge, saying:

1. “I’ve been volunteering for a few years now with this wonderful rescue. If I can raise any money to help that will be brilliant.
   
   At the moment the kennels have concrete floors which is not the best for paws and difficult to clean.”

Anyone who wants to take part can create their own, online fundraising page here and Hope Rescue will be in touch to give them all the support they need.

Since 2005 Hope Rescue has been saving the lives of stray, abandoned and unwanted dogs that, through no fault of their own, need a second chance. It commits to take all the stray dogs from three Local Authorities in South Wales — Merthyr Tydfil, Torfaen, Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf — irrespective of their age, breed or medical condition. It also helps owners in crisis who need to surrender their dogs, giving them peace of mind that their dogs will be rehomed responsibly.

For further information please call 07708 228583 or visit hoperescue.org.uk.