Charity Blue Cross has teamed up with Dursley Tab Community Food Hub 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 Parsonage Street in Dursley 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 made available for struggling families through the community food hub.
Julie Rymer, Manager at Blue Cross’s charity shop in Dursley, 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 the community food hubto help people keep their family together. Your donations will help families who have nowhere else to turn.”
Heidi Horn, from Dursley Community Food Hub, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Blue Cross to help ease the load a little for those who are struggling to keep up with rising prices. Pets are such a valuable part of families, and we know from our visitors that people are having to make very difficult choices about what they can afford.
“Referrals are not necessary to use the hub. Volunteers help visitors find what they need from the hub which is supplied by supermarket surplus and public donations given either directly or via our partner organisations such as the Blue Cross.
“Thank you in advance to everyone who contributes, your thoughtfulness really will make a huge difference.”
Dursley Tab Community Food Hub, which operates out of Dursley Tabernacle URC Church in Parsonage Street, is open 10am to midday on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays as well as 4-6pm on Wednesdays when a warm space is open at the church.
Donations of pet food can be dropped off at the Blue Cross charity shop. For more information or to make a cash donation online visit bluecross.org.uk
