A STRUGGLING animal sanctuary was dealt another blow after Storm Francis ripped the roof from one of its animal shelters.
Staff and volunteers at the Farm Animal Rescue Sanctuary (FARS) in Wolverton are desperate to repair the poly tunnel cover which shelters its main herd of sheep.
Team member Abi told the Observer: “As you can imagine with autumn fast approaching we desperately need to get it re-covered. The covers have to be specially made and fitted so they don’t come cheap. Added to that because the cover has been torn off, the electrics in the poly tunnels have been exposed and will now need re-wiring.”
The team has launched a fundraiser to cover the repair costs. Abi added: “We appreciate due to recent times people may not have much money to spare but we’re asking if anyone can help in anyway, no matter how big or how little we would be forever grateful. We are hoping to raise around £5000 as the re-wiring alone will cost about £3000. So anything towards this would be amazing.
“We are a small rescue so we are always struggling financially, but with covid-19 we’ve been unable to have our much needed open days which raise funds for us and we haven’t been able to go out to any fairs to raise awareness so we have no funds in reserve.”
The sanctuary, which is home to some 500 rescued animals including sheep, pigs, turkeys and goats, has already suffered food shortages due to extreme weather last year having a knock on effect. Scorching temperatures meant little fresh grass for the sheep, while wet weather left fields boggy, forcing the team to use its hay stock.
The sanctuary was founded over 30 years ago by 76-year-old former veterinary nurse Carole Webb.
Visit www.farmanimalrescuesanctuary.org.uk to donate.
