When the news broke of the COVID-19 restrictions Lyn Friel, the manager, was oblivious. Spending the majority of time caring for the animals and responding to peoples calls keeps her so busy that the outside world has a hard job breaking in. The outside world wasnt going to be held at bay forever though and on Tuesday the twenty-fourth of March Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary issued a statement to the public that it was officially in lockdown.
We can't take the risk that any of our dedicated staff and volunteers may fall ill and therefore be unable to care for the animals at the sanctuary; of which currently there are over one hundred and twenty. "
At the time of closing, we were in the middle of volunteer training, fundraising and the building of a new sanctuary stable and shelter to house some of the sanctuarys shetland population. All had to be put on hold; among some of our normal daily activities like rehoming and providing animal visits to the local community.
Immediately we saw losses of income and other donations of food and bedding, that would normally be coming in as results of bag packs, coffee mornings and other activities. We had to cancel upcoming events and sadly ask some volunteers not to attend.
The office is being manned from those who are staying at home where possible, while the yard staff and long term volunteers continue to provide care while following guidelines of social distancing and handwashing. Life must go on at the sanctuary, we do not have the option of closing the gates up and working from home. Without the staff and volunteers, the animals will suffer. Without peoples support, we cannot continue; and that is a terrifying thought that is plaguing us more and more as the days continue.
The team has been working hard with various supporters doing whatever they can to help provide funds; from a print at a home colouring book to the launch of our Online Pet Show. Our social media volunteer has been helpfully translating all the animals daily fun diary entries on our social media pages to keep the community engaged and informed, not just about the sanctuary but the current news too.
On top of the fundraising activities, we are still working behind the gates on saving lives, with daily calls and emails regarding welfare, abandoned animals and animals needing to be rehomed at this time. We are doing our best to resolve as many cases as we can through intervention and advice where suited.
These are strange times for all, but one thing is sure, we will do our utmost best to support every single animal we possibly can.
We need help more than ever, in a time where sadly the world is difficult for everyone. There so many ways you can help us and you can learn more by visiting our Website - www.crosskennnalane.co.uk or emailing crosskennan@hotmail.co.uk
You can keep up to date with all our news on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Remember to enter your pets in our Online Pet Show! - learn more by visiting our website, our Facebook page or emailing events@crosskennanlane.org.uk. All entries must be in before 5 pm on 30th April 2020 to be counted for the final judging. All animals welcome!
Appeal is currently to help us cover the costs of running the sanctuary for April & May during Lockdown. Expected costs include;
Feed costs (hay, hard feed, dog food, cat food, bird food, etc.) - £2710 monthly average
Bedding Costs (including the costs of laundering of dog and cat beds) - £1170 monthly average
Vet, dentist, farrier, medicines, and supplements (supplements have been cut back to absolutely essential only unless sponsored by public donation directly) - £1900 monthly average
Electricity and Oil (for washing, hot water, for heat lamps for the older cats, etc.) - £360 monthly average
Equally an average monthly total of £6140 just to feed, bed and keep the animals at the sanctuary healthy.
These costs do not include admin costs of running the website, emails or phones, as well as staff costs (the ones who actually ensure that the animals are fed, watered, bedded, safe and well!), animal transport, costs of waste disposal (including manure and other waste from the cats, dogs and chickens as our local landfill has closed), costs of essential maintainance and repairs.
Each day I am hit with another wave of calls, emails, facebook messages, direct messages on instagram, comments on posts, retweets on twitter; it's endless 24/7. I check my phone the moment my eyes open and usually there are several text messages needing answered, emails, etc. All of these have come in since I went to sleep, lately around midnight each night. I sit down at my computer around 9 and usually don't leave there until 6pm, except to care for my own animals at home. I get texts from staff and volunteers who are working on the yard with videos and photos of the animals; happy, healthy and obviously well loved. After dealing with a hair pulling email there is nothing nicer than seeing the horses playing, or the cats wrestling, or the roosters crowing. It reminds me why I am doing this and it's why I get right back online to answer more heartstring pulling emails, or get on the phone to try and solve a headscratching issue, or just share a photo with the world and ask once again for money! I am a volunteer and honestly this isn't what I signed up for, but if it means that those furry faces I know and love are safe and well during these uncertain times, I will continue to do this for as long as needed and I will continue to ask people for money and their help.
Without People supporting us, Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary will not continue; we cannot care for the animals in need without funds to provide food, bedding and essential vet treatments. Please give what you can and share with your friends, family and strangers. Get involved with some of our events or why not set up your own sponsorship; doing a sponsored walk inside your own back garden, or a readathon, or why not just check down the back of the sofas and see what change you can find!
Help us to help them.
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