UK charities rely solely on the generosity of the British public to enable them to do their work. The RSPCA, for instance, receives no government funding but thanks to donations from the public they can rescue, heal and care for many, many animals.
People donate to the RSPCA in a number of different ways. Some give £2.00 a month or more by direct debit, which allows the RSPCA to plan future spending commitments. Other people donate generously at fundraising events or following a televised appeal for help. A number of people leave a gift of money or even a percentage of their estate to UK charities like the RSPCA in their Will.
Perhaps one of the most challenging ways to help the RSPCA is by hosting a fundraising event. There is plenty of information on the RSPCA Choices’ website on how to fundraise (how to promote your event, how to create a promotional webpage or print useful documents like sponsorship forms etc.). RSPCA Choices is the charity’s new approach to funding, allowing people to select from several suggested projects one that they would most like to support. For instance, you might click on their site and decide that you want to support a project that helps cats: you could choose the project called ‘Rehome a Cat’ and work towards raising some money towards the target amount set. Each project has a target figure but each person who contributes towards that target will be kept regularly informed of how their money has helped.
But if you feel that you do not have spare money to donate, or worry that you lack the confidence to organise a fundraising event, perhaps you could think of other ways to help the RSPCA. They are always keen to welcome people who can spare some time to volunteer at their shelters, in their offices or at their shops. Plus there are practical things that you can do to help animals that are being cared for in shelters: if you are a knitter, perhaps you could knit some blankets for the animals, or could you perhaps donate any old blankets or towels ?
You can also help animals through the RSPCA by calling them to report any abuse or neglect that you know about or suspect. Their Inspectors are there to investigate concerns about cruelty and the charity has the authority to take owners to court. You can call anonymously if you have any concerns about giving your details. The Inspectors know how difficult it can sometimes be to report abuse, especially as the Inspectors themselves often face abuse and even violence by animal owners. Indeed the RSPCA Choices’ winter campaign is called ‘Everyday Heroes’ to reflect the difficult and often thankless jobs that their Inspectors have, and the fact that Inspectors make a huge difference to the lives of animals in the UK. If you would like to support those Everyday Heroes then you can select the Sponsor an Inspector project from those listed on the RSPCA Choices site.
