Four weeks ago, local animal welfare charity Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home launched an emergency fundraising appeal, following financial losses in excess of £650,000 due the COVID-19 pandemic. The appeal launch followed a difficult year for the charity, who had to restructure and make staff redundancies in the summer in order to survive.

The fundraising appeal ‘Help Our Home’ was launched on 28 September and the response from the local community has been outstanding. So far, a total of over £140,000 in donations has been raised. In addition, over 380 people have signed up to give a monthly donation via direct debit.

Nicola Gunn, Director of Development and External Affairs said:

“We are absolutely blown away by the support that the public have displayed to our Help Our Home appeal. We know that the Home is a well-loved institution in the Edinburgh community, but we could never have imagined this level of support at a time that is so difficult for so many.

We aren’t out of the water yet and still need to work hard to ensure we raise more funds, but we want to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who has donated to the Home during its greatest time of need – many dogs and cats will receive the care, love and rehabilitation they so desperately need thanks to your generosity.”

The appeal continues to run into early November and you can donate by visiting edch.org.uk/donate or text SAVE to 70450 to donate £10.

‘Text SAVE to 70450 to donate £10. Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAVENOINFO to 70450.’