Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has officially launched its Winter Appeal fundraiser.
The charity, which supports animals across East and Central Scotland, is calling for donations in order to keep animals in the centre warm and fed this winter. During this year, the Home has received an average of one hundred calls a day and taken in nearly 400 new arrivals between September 2023 and August 2024, coinciding with all-time high operational costs.
It is estimated that it will cost over £22,000 this winter to solely heat the Home, on top of regular services which sit at £7,000 per day. Between January and June this year, the Home provided 306,247 meals to pets in Edinburgh, which is the equivalent of the weight of two and a half Lothian buses, and between January to August they successfully rehomed 150 cats and dogs.
As well as rehoming animals, giving advice and guidance via a helpline and running four Pet Care Clinics, Edinburgh Dog also provides pet food to more than 80 foodbanks across Central and East Scotland.
The Home is appealing to members of the public, businesses and groups to get involved and show love and warmth to the animals who rely on its vital support by donating funds to their Winter Appeal. To raise awareness for the cause, the Home has adorned Edinburgh’s famous dog statues of Greyfriars Bobby and Bum the Dog with scarves and blankets, symbolising the warmth and compassion that the community can provide to vulnerable animals and their owners during the winter.
Chief executive Lindsay Fyffe-Jardine said: “Community support is so vital for the Home during these challenging months.
“The warm scarves and blankets adorning the Greyfriars Bobby and Bum the Dog statues serve as a beautiful reminder of the love and compassion we can extend to our vulnerable animals. These iconic figures, known for their loyalty, symbolise the bond we share with our pets, and together we can ensure that no animal in need is left without care and warmth this winter.
“Every donation counts. Just £10 pays for essential vaccinations for a cat for a whole year. A donation of £100 can keep all our dogs and cats warm for a day, and £25 is enough to keep a hungry dog’s belly full for a whole month.”
To support the Winter Appeal, visit www.edch.org.uk/winterappeal or text WARMHEARTS to 70085 to donate £10.