A DROITWICH pub is calling on donations to help pet owners struggling to feed their animals this winter.
The Old Cock pub, on Friar Street in Droitwich will be taking donations of pet food, gifts and toys from December 1.
All of the proceeds will be donated to the animal charity Blue Cross’ local shop on St Andrews Street and distributed to in need families through Moving Forward Community Fridge foodbank.
Moving Forward, based at the community centre on the Westlands Estate, is part of Droitwich CVS. The Community Fridge is open on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9.30am and 12 noon.
Claire Fellows, Landlady at the Old Cock, said: “Each year we nominate a charity for Christmas.
“Animal welfare is something very close to our hearts, and we understand things can be a little harder at this time of year, with many struggling to feed themselves let alone their animals.
“We would love to make sure that all our animals big or small are looked after this Christmas.”
Nicky Carr, manager at Blue Cross Droitwich, said: “With winter looming, many owners may be worried about covering the cost of bills and essentials and feeding themselves, their families and their pets.
“We’ve heard stories of owners going without food to cover the cost of feeding or caring for their pets. For some people, pets are their only companions and link to the outside world.
“Your donations will help families who have nowhere else to turn.”
Charly McCall, project coordinator at Moving Forward Community Fridge, said: “Last year we helped feed over 4,000 people.
“With around 50-55 families through the door each day we’re open, the majority of which take pet food, we’re seeing a huge increase since the cost-of-living crisis.
“We already know that this year the number of people we will support will exceed 5,000, most of whom will continue to need pet food on a regular basis.”
One foodbank user said: “At the moment we are living pay cheque to pay cheque, so the pet food donations from Blue Cross to Moving Forward’s Community Fridge go a long way towards helping to prevent having to re-home our cats.”
Visit bluecross.org.uk for more.
