Charity Blue Cross has teamed up with the local food banks in the area to provide vital help to pet owners who are struggling to feed their animals as everyday living costs continue to rise.
The pet charity’s shop on the High Street in Chippenham is seeking donations of dog, cat and kitten food, as well as food for small animals including rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters which will then be collected and distributed to needy families through the local Salvation Army based on Foghamshire in the town.
Sally Wakefield, Manager at Blue Cross’s charity shop in Chippenham, said:
Here at Blue Cross we’ve heard stories of owners going without food themselves to cover the cost of feeding or caring for their pets and are aware that for some people their pets are their only companions and link to the outside world.
No pet should have to go hungry, and no one should have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets. Pets are part of the family and that’s why we’ve teamed up with our local foodbank to help people to keep their family together. Your donations will help families who have nowhere else to turn.
The Salvation Army food bank runs on a referral basis and asks that pet owners ask for pet food alongside their human food. It operates on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
Miriam Dann, Community Support Worker from Salvation Army, said:
We are so pleased to be linking with our local Blue Cross Shop. Although we have been providing pet food since the start of lockdown, donations are sporadic and we cannot always offer it to people who request it.
It stands to reason that if individuals and families cannot afford food for themselves they are also likely to be struggling to afford to feed their pets. We appreciate that pets are an important part of the household and enrich the lives of their owners and if we can provide pet food when needed so this can continue we will gladly do so!”
Donations of pet food can be dropped off at the Blue Cross charity shop, 20 High Street, Chippenham, SN15 3EU.
For more information visit The Blue Cross Website.
