by Rose Conrad

Created on: December 07, 2008

Here in the UK we are known as a nation of animal lovers, and in relation to many other parts of the world, this is indeed the truth. It is a well-known fact that people here donate more money to animal charities than to any others, but still the plain fact is that running an animal shelter costs money, and there is never enough. So what are some of the best ideas for raising money for your local animal shelter, or rescue centre as we call them here in Britain?

In most cases, animal rescue centres are voluntary,.relying purely on donations and the kindness of others who give their time and money for the cause, so making a regular donation is always the first way. Most companies here run a scheme whereby money given to charity directly out of your wages, is tax exempt, so if you set up a Direct Debit each month out of your wages, then the shelter will receive a regular income and you will get some tax relief too. Otherwise, just put a few coins into any charity box you see for the local rescue centre, - I can assure you every penny helps.

Legacies are also a big way of animal shelters receiving money.So, although for many it is a subject they don't want to think about, when you are making your Will, please remember the shelter too, and leave something to them. In some cases, such as the RSPCA for example, if you leave a legacy to them, there is also an agreement you can enter into, where they will care for your own pet if it survives you. That way you know your much-loved pet will not have to fend for itself when your time comes.

Of course not everyone has any spare cash to donate each month especially in these days of the credit crunch", - but there are still ways to raise money for your local Shelter. Set up a Jumble Sale for example, - your local Church or Village Hall should let you use their facilities for free. So get together with some friends, collect all your clothes that are no longer worn for whatever reason, and it's amazing how much money you can raise by selling them off, especially in these austere times when everyone is looking for a bargain.

Or if you have larger household or garden items to get rid of, why not set up a Garage sale in the front of your garage, or set up a car boot sale, with all the proceeds going to the Shelter?

If you have children bored during the School holidays, there are no end of ideas for them to occupy their time, and raise money for charity. Using the spirit of the old "bob-a-job"efforts that the Scouts made so famous,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>