Local animal welfare charity Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home has today launched an emergency fundraising appeal ‘Help Our Home’, following devastating financial disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Home which costs over £2million per year to run, receives no regular government funding and relies on the generosity of public donations to fund its work. Due to government lockdown measures, the Home had to close its pet boarding service, charity shops, cancel key events and cease all face to face and community fundraising activities. This has resulted in an organisational restructure and 15 members of staff being made redundant across the organisation.

Even with funds taking a hit, the charity has continued to provide its core services throughout the lockdown period, taking in stray and abandoned animals and providing its pet foodbank service to those facing poverty, unemployment and homelessness.

Doreen Graham, Chair of Trustees for the Home said:

“2020 has been such a devastating year for so many people, charities and businesses across the world, and that is no different for Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. We’ve been providing a safe-haven to animals in need for nearly 140 years and this is all thanks to our wonderful supporters who have donated so generously over the years. Now more than ever, the Home needs to call on the support of the public to help us pull back the £650,000 losses we have made this year and help secure our long term future.”

The ‘Help Our Home’ appeal is asking the public to sign up to either a monthly direct debit, or to make a one off donation to help the charity continue its vital work for dogs, cats and pet owners in need across the East of Scotland.

To find out more about the appeal, or to make a donation visit edch.org.uk/HelpOurHome