Ferne Animal Sanctuary pleading for donations to 'stay open' this Christmas
The animal sanctuary is launching its Winter Welfare campaign
An animal rescue charity, which borders Somerset and Devon, say they only have a week to raise 6-thousand pounds so it can continue operating.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary today (3 December) launches its Winter Welfare campaign for the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2024.
The challenge operates annually, matching donations to charities across the UK by doubling all funds donated to the charity of choice.
It comes as the charity say the winter months and Christmas period will "strain resources and available funds".
To receive the £6,000 in pledged funds, Ferne Animal Sanctuary must raise an additional £6,000 in one week, from 12pm on Tuesday 3 December to 12pm on Tuesday 10 December.
'Life-saving difference'
The 85-year-old charity have said 2024 has been the "most challenging year to date" has they have tackled "unprecedented financial downturn".
The sanctuary, which homes over 300 animals at a time, are now preparing for the further challenges that winter brings.
Kevan Hodges, Chief Executive Officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: "We are incredibly grateful for the support of our local community this year, which has been a testing time for us at the sanctuary.
“The Winter Welfare campaign provides the unique opportunity to double all donations from 3 to 10 December 2024 via the Big Give Christmas Challenge, which will make a life-saving difference to continue providing welfare and care to the more than 300 vulnerable animals we home currently."