A £1,200 donation from Energia Group has been made to one of Northern Ireland’s largest independent animal welfare charities, with the money covering essential everyday costs.
The donation was made to Newtownards-based Assisi Animal Sanctuary through Energia Group’s Helping Hands – an initiative set-up to offer support to local, worthwhile causes.
The charity relies heavily on the fundraising efforts of individuals and businesses because it does not currently receive government funding. With annual running costs totalling £1.2 million a year, Assisi Animal Sanctuary requires £3,287 to cover overheads and expenses.
Staff have used the £1,200 Helping Hands donation to purchase new food, shelter, and specialist medical treatment ensuring animals in its care can be rehomed successfully.
Energia Group colleagues Andy Williams, Stephen Clarke, Kyle Waddoups and Nathan Blair agreed to join forces and nominate Assisi to receive funding through Helping Hands.
“Stevie, Nathan, Kyle and I agreed Helping Hands was a fantastic opportunity to combine our applications into one big donation,” explained Andy.
“Assisi’s work in providing shelter and care for those animals in need is something we admire, and the community has seen – first hand – the difference that support like this can make. Everyone at Energia Group is sure this donation will make a ‘pawsitive’ impact for all the animals cared for by Assisi.”
The sanctuary provides shelter for a minimum of 200 companion animals at any given time, including dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, up to 700.
Staff rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome over 1,000 animals each year, ensuring all animals are neutered, vaccinated, wormed, defleaed and microchipped before they are rehomed.
Grace Williams, the Fundraising Manager for Assisi Animal Sanctuary, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the team at Energia Group for choosing to support the wonderful work of our charity.
“Their incredible support will directly help us provide shelter and care, food, veterinary treatment, safety and companionship – and ultimately find loving new homes – for those animals who come through our doors. “£1,200’s a huge contribution and we want to take this opportunity to thank all the staff for this very generous donation,” she added.
Energia Group is proud to support important organisations within Northern Ireland’s communities, with the employee-led Helping Hands initiative one of the ways it strives to assist organisations that matter most.