Employees at Southfields Veterinary Specialists, in Laindon, voted to split £3,000 between Pussycat Lodge Trust (PLT), in Brentwood, and the Romford Greyhound Owners Association (RGOA).
The PLT was established more than 20 years ago by dedicated volunteers who rescue and care for cats in the Dagenham and Brentwood areas. It offers purpose-built pens, along with a feral house for semi-wild cats.
The RGOA rehomes retired racing greyhounds, with more than 40 dogs currently in its care which are hoping to find a loving new home.
Both charities have now received £1,500 from Southfields to help them continue to operate in a time which have seen charities across the country hit hard by a lack of funding due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Daniel Hogan, hospital director at Southfields, said the vets were delighted to be able to support two vital animal charities in the county.
He said: “Like many others throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our business has been affected. However, we have quickly adapted and are continuing to provide the highest level of care for our patients, clients and referring vets.
“However, we recognise other organisations may be struggling to adapt and run to their previous capabilities, with charities among those affected the most in these incredibly tough times.
“That’s why we felt it was important to try to do our bit and asked our team to choose who they wanted the money to go to, so both PLT and the RGOA will receive an equal share.
“I hope the money helps both charities to continue doing their excellent work at a time when they are needed as much as ever.”
A spokesperson for the Pussycat Lodge Trust said: “We’re really grateful to Southfields for this kind gesture. It costs more than £2,000 per month to keep going and this money will enable our dedicated volunteers to continue with their vital work.
“We simply couldn’t survive without the generosity of those who donate to us.”
A spokesperson from the Romford Greyhound Owners Association said: “Greyhounds make wonderful pets, which is why we at RGOA have been on a mission to help rehome retired racing greyhounds since 1975.
“We are very proud that, over the years, we have helped find loving homes for more than 2,000 of these regal dogs, so we thank Southfields for its generous donation to help us continue our mission in these unprecedented times.”
For more information about the two charities, visit www.pussycatlodge.co.uk and www.rgoa.org.uk.
