A DALE animal sanctuary has been given crucial supplies and tools to help it get through a dearth of income during the coronavirus crisis.
Wetheriggs Animal Centre, at Thorpe Farm, near Greta Bridge, received equipment such as wheelbarrows, brushes, spades for mucking out and other cleaning materials thanks to hardware group Wilko’s Darlington store.
The rescue centre, which depends on visitors for cash to look after 1,200 animals, had to close its doors during lockdown.
Wilko decided to step in to help after volunteers got in touch about the centre’s plight.
Nicola Lumley, from Wetheriggs, said: “We’d like to offer our huge thanks to the Wilko Darlington team who have been so kind and generous.
“The donation has already made a huge difference to the running of the centre and it’s nice to have a wheelbarrow that finally works.
“Alongside helping with the day-to-day operations, Wilko’s donation has also given the team a much-needed boost, and the donations of paint have helped to brighten up the enclosures and make the space much more inviting.
“At times like these when businesses are struggling, it is nice to see larger companies help out and the Darlington store team were truly a credit to the business.”
Wetheriggs Animal Rescue has now reopened its doors, but with limited capacity to maintain safe social distancing measures.
Wilko chief executive Jerome Saint-Marc said: “We know that independent businesses and charities have suffered hard during the pandemic, and although things are on the up, it can be tough for small organisations to find their feet.
“We’re immensely grateful for the work of charities such as the Wetheriggs Animal Rescue and, of course, wanted to offer our help when we heard of their story.
“We’re incredibly proud of and thankful to our local team members, as well as those across the entire business, who have done a phenomenal job in ensuring hardworking families, charities and individuals have access to the products they need, and we appreciate the extra mile they’re going here to support local causes and communities throughout the UK,” he added.
Wilko also launched a £125,000 community fund to donate products to families in need and NHS staff.
