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Registered Charity No. 225575

TAILSThe Branch Newsletter

BIG WALKIES

DONT SHOP, ADOPT!

EBAY

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Diary Dates

Welcome! In this edition you will find stories and information about our branch and the work we do. We always welcome stories you may have that we can add to the next edition, so please get in touch!

WELCOME@!

Designed by Boom Marketing

If you would like to volunteer at any of the below events, please contact the events team on 01422 341160 or

branchoffice@rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk

Furry Friends

Sunday 8th May - 12pm - 3pmRSPCA Animal Centre

RSPCA Week

6th June - 12th JuneRaise money for local animals this week!

Doggy Dash For LifeIn partnership with Cancer Research

Sunday 5th June - 11.30am startBeaumont Park, Huddersfield

Brighouse Charity Gala (Charity Stall)

Saturday 25th June - 12pm - 5pmWelholme Park, Brighouse

K9 Party in the Park

Sunday 3rd July - 12pm - 5pm (registration from 11.30am)Manor Heath Park, Halifax

RSPCA Horse Show

Saturday 3rd September 9.30 am startHopton Horse Centre, Huddersfield

Big WalkiesSponsored Dog Walk

Sunday 25th September Shibden Park, Halifax

MAY

JUNE

JULY

RSPCA Dog Day Afternoon

Thursday 28th July - 12pm - 4pmShibden Park, Halifax

SEPTEMBER

Hebden Happy Hounds

Saturday 23rd July - 12pm - 3pmCalder Holmes Park

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Back in June 2015 we were contacted by one of the RSPCA Inspectors about a puppy farm that had over 80 dogs being kept in terrible living conditions.

The puppies were removed and spread out among RSPCA branches. We took in 10 of these puppies and so began their journey to finding suitable, loving homes!

We’re proud to say that our Animal Centre is one of the best when it comes to training and rehabilitating animals and our staff worked tirelessly with the puppies – training and socialising them to be ready for their new families.After 8 months residency at our centre, we got word that the court case had ended and the puppies (well, they’re young dogs now!) were free to be rehomed.

Although the staff find it hard to say goodbye to all the animals they work with, nothing makes them happier than seeing them go off to a wonderful life with their new family.

Here are just a few photos of the rascals who have now all been rehomed!

‘Roger is a credit to the Centre staff, all the work they put in has really paid off – we

feel so lucky to have him!’

10 PUPPIES, 8 MONTHS AND @SOME GREAT WORK BY OUR@

ANIMAL CENTRE STAFF!

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Meet John

My first introduction with the RSPCA was ‘rescuing’ a dog from the Halifax Animal Centre back in 1999, from thereon in I’ve subsequently won at least one award (including Champion overall in one years category) from their annual photographic competition. Fast forward to 2010 when the new Ripponden charity shop opened its doors, and living just 5 minutes away and having ‘week on, week off’ shifts allowed me to volunteer there.

Due to the generous donations, and after discussion, I with the help of my manager at the time Joanne Scott (Brighouse) instigated the idea of setting up an eBay shop as the donations would raise more money than selling them in our shop.

Thousands of pounds and 3 years later the shop sadly closed, resulting in me being at a bit of a loose end. Ironically Overgate Hospice were looking for a likeminded individual to help out in a similar vein eBaying for 2 years in their fundraising department.

Still working shifts, allowed me to volunteer for 2 different charities over 5 years raising £1000’s of pounds as well as selling in excess of £55,000 on my personal eBay account since 2008. This experience has stood me in good stead as I applied for the recently advertised Online Sales Manager position and was very lucky to be appointed my new roll.

What I love about my job is that I have no idea what generous donations I discover on a day to day basis. Occasionally the least likely items are the most sought after by worldwide bidders, destinations being as far flung as Germany, Sweden, Spain, Italy, America, Australia, and Japan….so far!

That’s where you; the charity supporters, come in, …we welcome ALL your donations as a lot of the time I sell items for more than shop shelf prices resulting in raising more money. You’d be surprised what I can sell…..!

John Vessey

our Ebay Guy!

John!

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We Our Local Community

St Johns Primary, CliftonStudents raised £664!

Yorkshire Building SocietyVolunteered at our Animal centre

Raise a Paw Appeal

Raised over £800

Barkisland ScoutsCollected stock for our shops

Spin Class at DW Fitness Raised £662

Animal Blessing Service at Halifax Minster

Volunteer Open DayCome along

to the next one on Tues 26th April

Spooky fun at our Halloween Fair

Catnapped at our Animal

CentreSome Inspectors

being held to ransom!

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The E.A.R.S (Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme) is unique to the RSPCA Halifax Huddersfield & District Branch. It was created 11 years ago and has slowly grown in size and reputation.

Originally the Scheme was created to assist with the re homing of elderly animals, however we quickly recognised that the majority of people wishing to adopt were elderly people who were looking for companionship.

Last year we entered a competition with Aviva to win a grant for the best community scheme and we are delighted to announce that, thanks to our supporters votes, we WON!

The Aviva community grant secured enough funds for us to purchase an EARS branded marquee and information boards. We want to take the boards to local events to highlight the important work that we’re doing and hopefully make a difference to many more elderly people’s lives.

The branded marquee will stand out and be big enough for all of the information boards and a seating area, so that potential EARS members can come in for a chat about their needs.

There are many events that we would like to attend and now we have our EARS boards and marquee, we are looking for places to go! Please get in touch if you know of any local gala’s/fete’s/events in the area so we can introduce our community to our wonderful Elderly Animal Rehoming Scheme!

EARS

Saffy Priestly Tinkerbell battyeBen cartwright Bailey MarchmentWill SheriffeBlue GreethamGilbert spencerBooksie PedleyTosca GleadallMitzi BuddTwinkle NaylorMajor Johnson

Tisha SekstsRex SmithChloe TysonThomas BoydTom RawsonMimi TibbettsMinnie HolmesOscar HagueToby BowerHolly LittlerCasper AllenSam Almgill

Mitzy WoodOlive SteeleMissy LoughnaneKitty SakstsSuki MarchmentMargot WrightBobby BrownGypsy KiddBuster Naylor Sally Harris

Gone but not forgotten...

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1. They'll be a great match for you!The animals in our centre have not only been health-checked, they’ve also been assessed for temperament, basic manners and toilet training. This means we should be able to help you find the best match for your family and lifestyle.

2. You’re not starting from scratchMost rescue animals have had homes in the past. If you adopt, they will at least have some basic training and may also have lived with a foster family who will have helped them adjust to different surroundings.

3. What you see is what you getWhen you adopt from us, we give as much information as possible about their personality and whether they fit your idea of the ideal companion. You also know from day one whether there are any problem areas you’ll need to address as the new owners.

5. The bond is just as strongAnimals that come into our centre are often judged because of their past and potential owners don’t think they will ‘bond the same as if they got a puppy/kitten’. They couldn’t be more wrong! Most rescue animals can’t wait to find a new family to love and are probably even more grateful and devoted to the kind hearted soul that took them in!

6. A cost-effective choiceWith a rescue pet you’re adopting an animal that’s been health-checked, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, plus wormed and treated for fleas too. When you buy a pet, all those veterinary expenses come out of your pocket, on top of the cost of the pet.

7. It sets a good example Adopting a rescue pet is a wonderful opportunity to show others the essential values of compassion, caring, and the generous act of giving second chances

So please, don’t shop – ADOPT!

Don t Shop, Adopt!’

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Shops

Our Byram Street Charity Shop has helped the UK Film Industry!

One of their regular customers is the ‘Dresser’ for a new film called ‘One Child’ by Reel Productions. The film required certain types of outfits and our shop was more than happy to help.

The Film Director was so appreciative of the gesture that he donated £50 and invited them to go to Pinewood Studios in London for the film’s first viewing and to meet the cast and crew. They had a great night and we were even mentioned in the credits!

BYRAM STREETDid you know about our Bridal Section at Byram Street, Huddersfield? We often get in brand new dresses at bargain prices! We may also be able to provide shoes, accessories and kit out your bridesmaids too!

BRIDAL SHOP!

Check out our new Charity Retail Collection Van!

Hopefully you’ll see us out and about around the area; we may even come to your house! We can collect 3 or more filled bags from you as well as any furniture or white goods So please think of us before throwing anything out, your donation can help us provide better lives for local animals in need.

We are always looking for stock donations and believe us; we can sell almost anything and everything! A bag of quality donated goods can on average raise £30 to help us care for the animals in our centre, so please, before you throw it away just think “Can my local RSPCA make use of it??” You can drop off your donations at any one of our shops or at the Animal Centre on Wade Street, Halifax.

CHARITY COLLECTION VAN

CAN YOU HELP?

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Involve your Customers We have lots of appeals your

customers can get involved in, helping to raise

awareness and engage your customers

Volunteering days

We can offer your staff volunteering days at our Animal Centre, Charity Shops and out in the

community

Sponsorship Opportunities Sponsor our annual RSPCA K9 Party

Advertise in our magazines

Sponsor our Charity Van

Be a Sponsor of any one of our well established local events

Stock Donation Drive Did you know that one bag of donated goods to our shops can raise up to £25

for the animals in our centre?

All you need to do is fill up the bags and we’ll do the rest!!

Take on the Challenge! Get your staff motivated & working as part of a team when they take on our

PAWSOME CHALLENGE and your workplace

could have a TAIL to tell!

Choose us as your charity! There are so many

benefits to becoming a supporter of our Branch

Get in touch today to find out how!

Sponsor an Animal Space Our animal pens are very popular for

local businesses to sponsor. From only £10 a month you can advertise your business to our supporters and local

community

Show your support and help us give local animals a better life

They can’t stand up for themselves, but you can stand up for them

For more information please contact Laurenmoore@rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk

Could your work help us?

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Thank you to all who took part in the Big Walkies last year, it was a great day and you raised £1700!

This year we are changing venues and holding our Big Walkies at Shibden Park, Halifax on Sunday 25th September.

If you would like to take part, registration opens in June and you can sign up online via our website:www.rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk or sign up in any one of our Charity Shops and Animal Centre.

This is a sponsored dog walk open to all ages and abilities to raise funds for the work we do in our Animal centre and the animals we want to create better lives for.

RSPCA Week is coming! 6 – 12 JuneThis is our annual awareness week and we will be out and about promoting our Animal centre and reminding people to Adopt, don’t shop!

There will also be activities for Schools, Challenges for businesses and a chance to win some great prizes in our raffle! If you would like to be involved with this special week, please get in touch!

Have you seen our new website? Have a look now at

www.rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk

Looking for a new dog bed? Then look no further than our Animal Centre Shop, we have beds available from only £3!

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

DOG BEDS!

RSPCA WEEK

Join us at our next Volunteer Open Day for a chat about how you can help and how we can help you!

Tuesday 26th April 4pm – 7pm

RSPCA Charity ShopByram StreetHuddersfield

NEW WEBSITE

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We are looking for proactive people with a good knowledge of their local area to join our fundraising family as Collection Box Coordinators. You will be able to help raise funds for the animals in our centre by giving just a small amount of time per month.

Collection boxes are a simple way to raise money and awareness for the RSPCA Halifax and Huddersfield Branch.

Collection Box Coordinators place and manage the collection boxes in their local communities to help raise vital funds for over 1000 animals that we care for every year.

Interested? Please contact Clare on

01422 341160 or Clarewood@rspca-halifaxandhuddersfield.org.uk

What does it involve?

• Building relationships with local business like pubs, vets, hairdressers and shops

• Placing as many collection boxes as possible in your local community

• Recording appropriate information about collection box holders

• Monitoring, collecting and replacing collection boxes

• Presenting certificates to collection box holders for amounts raised

What experience or skills are needed?

• Good knowledge of your local community

• Good communication and influencing skills

• Reliable and trustworthy • Outgoing, proactive and self-motivated

How much time would you need to give?

• This fun and flexible role can be carried out at times that suit you.

Collection Box Co-ordinator

Did you know that you can help raise funds with your rubbish??We have donation bins at the Animal Centre for.

We get donations back from the companies for every bag load they can recycle.So don’t throw it away – donate to us today!

Recycle

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