As 2021 draws to an end we felt that it would be appropriate to reflect on a very unusual and challenging year. The veterinary industry has been hit hard by a “perfect storm”. IR35, Brexit and the pandemic have caused the number of vets and nurses in the UK to dwindle. Despite these setbacks we’re still healthy and well. This leads us to wonder, how can we support others out there?
We’re doing things a bit differently this year. Rather than sending out cards to clients, the staff at A1 have each picked a charity to support. The staff picked a charity that they felt was personal to them. The sad reality is that many charities are experiencing financial hardship caused by covid. We want to do something about it!
Many of the smaller charities continued to provide services and care for animals but were not able to fund raise with their regular activities. Animal charities noticed changes in animals, who missed the interaction of the public and performing for its visitors.
So, our choices are varied this year and here are the first of our choices. Megz who has recently joined the A1 team as an administrator has chosen Munchkins Miniature Shetland Rescue. They’ based in Devon. The team at Munchkins cares for a number of resident ponies. Thanks to their efforts 55 Shetlands have been rehomed!
Another animal related charity is Donkey Island Farm at Brightwell-cum-Stowell near Wallingford Oxfordshire. This charity is close to my heart, personally I have sponsored a donkey that’s under their care for the last 15 years. John Mclaren (the manager of the yard) along with his family have given everything to this charity. John’s passion for the donkeys shines through in everything that he does for them. Many of the rescues that are under his loving care have become champions in their breed. Polyanna for instance has gone on to become star of the Royal Opera House on stage in London. The trustees have been instrumental over the last couple of years, in particular, raising money for a veterinary hospital on site.
Sophie has chosen ‘Saving the Survivors’. Her choice comes from her love of travelling to SA and volunteering at the world-renowned Wildlife Conservation Volunteering in Africa. One of our locum vets also worked with the charity. (Taken from their website:) ’Saving the Survivors’ was founded in 2012 by Dr Johan Marais to attend to injured endangered wildlife that have fallen victim to poaching or traumatic incidents. Whilst we will attend to the needs of any injured animal, most of our efforts have been directed at the rhino due to the vicious attacks that many of them have fallen victim to. Sophie is hoping participate in the Kilimanjaro Trek in 2022 in aid of this charity.
We want to do whatever we can to help these charities, with a little charity donation love and spreading the Christmas spirits to further fields.
