Sainsbury's £8k boost for animal rescue charity

Colleagues at Sainsbury's Carrickfergus have raised over £8,200 to support the 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust.
Sainsburys Carrickfergus colleagues raised over £8,200 to support 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust. Pictured, from left, are Mark Higgins, Eddie Gowdy, store manager,  Stephen McMurray, 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust, Anne Patterson and Heather McMurray. INCT 28-702-CONSainsburys Carrickfergus colleagues raised over £8,200 to support 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust. Pictured, from left, are Mark Higgins, Eddie Gowdy, store manager,  Stephen McMurray, 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust, Anne Patterson and Heather McMurray. INCT 28-702-CON
Sainsburys Carrickfergus colleagues raised over £8,200 to support 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust. Pictured, from left, are Mark Higgins, Eddie Gowdy, store manager, Stephen McMurray, 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust, Anne Patterson and Heather McMurray. INCT 28-702-CON

The Newtownabbey-based charity received over £4,600 cash and pet food worth £3500 for its Pet Food Bank in a year-long partnership with the retailer.

The money raised will go towards completing a home for elderly cats that are unlikely to be adopted ensuring that they live the remainder of their days in comfort with the charity.

The pet food donations were used to help 489 animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and feral cats.

Stephen McMurray from 7th Heaven Animal Rescue Trust, said: “We’re very touched by the generosity of Sainsbury’s Carrickfergus colleagues and especially their customers.

“Some of the money they’ve already raised has also been used to help our Project Wildcat Scheme. We provided 46 shelters last year, providing homes for 189 feral or community cats.

“We are delighted that there will be some funds now available to help with the refurbishment of our ‘oldies building’. The cats will be happy.

“The kindness of all their customers who donated the pet food has made a huge difference to us. Many animals throughout Northern Ireland, whose owners were in financial distress, have received help through the Pet Food Bank donations.”

Eddie Gowdy, manager of the maritime area-based store, praised all involved in the team effort.

He said: “It’s been fantastic to see the way everyone’s pulled together since we started working with 7th Heaven. We’ve enjoyed coming up with ways to support and volunteer for this very worthy cause and it’s great to think that we’re making a positive difference to so many people and animals.

Noting the Pet Food Bank will continue in the store, he added: “The scheme was set up in April 2014 and helps to support people who are struggling financially. This helps to encourage them to keep their beloved pets at home where they belong.”