Amid the cost-of-living crisis, an increasing amount of people are having to choose between feeding their pets or themselves. Just in 2022, there was an uptick of 24% in the number of animals received at rescue centres , and as a result, numbers at shelters are at an all-time high. To help reduce this statistic, housebuilder Barratt Homes is supporting Foal Farm Animal Rescue Centre in Biggin Hill thanks to a £1,500 donation and voluntary work.
Beginning its journey in 1960, Foal Farm has been rescuing and rehoming neglected animals in and around Kent for over 60 years. Located in Biggin Hill, the charity rehomes approximately 500 cats, dogs, and other small animals a year and receives support through adoptions, donations and sponsorship. In awe of their hard work, Barratt Kent supported the charity with a day of volunteering in the early summer, helping paint fences, clean enclosures, and feeding animals across the 26-acre farm. The housebuilder also supported the farm with a £1,500 donation, which will contribute towards the general day-to-day running of the centre and food supplies for the animals.
Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director for Barratt Kent, comments: “Animals are a big part of everyone’s lives, and it is increasingly important that they are cared for properly by these centres. We are proud to have spent the day volunteering at Foal Farm, learning all about the important work which happens there and putting our hands to good use! It is places like this which make all the difference in growing our community, and we look forward to seeing the difference that is made here to the local area.”
Denise Hodge, Commercial Operations Manager from Foal Farm Animal Rescue Centre, adds: “Our mission is to ensure as many animals as we can properly care for are safe within Kent. It is local businesses like Barratt Kent whose support makes such a difference in better care for our animals, and we had a wonderful day welcoming the group of volunteers recently and educating them about the centre. We would also like to say a big thank you for the generous donation, and we are sure the animals are grateful for their new and improved homes!”
The donation to Foal Farm Animal Rescue Centre was made as part of The Barratt Foundation’s Community Fund initiative, which sees the housebuilder to donate £1,500 each month to a local charity to improve the quality of life for those living in the local area.
