A fresh lick of paint at St Francis Animal Welfare Centre (and kittens!)
St Francis Animal Welfare Centre in Horton Heath recently received a much-needed makeover thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers from Wates Residential and One Horton Heath (OHH). As part of our ongoing community support work, the team rolled up their sleeves to clean, prep, and paint the exterior of the charity's buildings, giving the centre a bright new look and helping restore its welcoming atmosphere.
The centre, which has been rescuing and rehoming animals since 1953, is home to a wide range of furry residents, including the charming ‘Cadnam kittens’, fluffy bunnies, and friendly dogs Casper and Bruce. While the team worked, they had the chance to meet some of the animals waiting for their forever homes and hear more about the vital work the shelter does every day from members Yvonne and Rachel.
Katie, who manages the centre, explained that the shelter relies entirely on public generosity. With no government funding, it costs around £600 a day, and £210,000 a year to keep the centre running. Fundraising events such as quizzes, raffles, and fayres, along with Facebook Marketplace sales and donations of supplies from local businesses, all help to keep their work going.
For anyone wishing to support the shelter, donations can be made through their website.
Please note: the donation form is set to monthly by default, but you can select a one-time donation by clicking the box at the top of the page.
The contribution from both Wates Residential and OHH is part of their wider commitment to community involvement, and the team were proud to support such an important local cause.
If you’d like to get involved, whether by donating, volunteering your time, or purchasing an item from the centre’s Amazon Wishlist, visit their fundraising page to learn more.