Thursday 1 January 2015

Fostering For The Algernon Trust

Foster Homes Urgently Needed To Help Us Help More Animals

A local Animal Sanctuary, Re-Homing Centre & Wildlife Rescue, the Algernon Trust in Whittlebury near Towcester, is urgently in need of foster homes for animals!

The Trust only has 4 kennels, all donated, plus the old ferret pen for emergencies.  Foster homes are relied on to provide temporary care for dogs and cats awaiting adoption. Sometimes it is necessary to keep dogs at private boarding kennels to ensure they are not put to sleep when the Sanctuary is full.  The kennels are paid for by the Trust.  Foster carers make a huge difference, not only does this reduce the cost of boarding kennels but it enables the dogs to live in a home environment until such time that they find their permanent homes. Fosterers provide love and food for the animals and the Trust provides support and covers vets bills.


After a simple homecheck, foster carers will be able to provide a temporary home to an animal that matches their circumstances, taking into account children and other pets living already in the home.  Usually a foster placement will last until the animal is able to find a permanent home and living in a home environment will increase the chances of an animal finding a suitable home.  If there are times when the animal can't stay in a fosterers care, for example holidays, the Trust would need as much notice as possible to be able to provide an alternative throughout that time.  Of course if circumstances change and a fosterer is no longer able to have the animal in their care then an alternative would be found as soon as possible.

Anyone interested in being a foster carer should in the first instance let us know their details in order that a homecheck can be arranged and also that we have sufficient information to assess animals that may be able to be placed in your care following your homecheck:

Full Name:
Full Address:
Contact Tel No:
What animals are you interested in fostering:
Number of adults in home:
How often & for how long would the dog be unattended:
Ages of children in home:
Other pets in home, including age, breed & sex:
If your property is rented, does your tenancy allow animals:
Any other relevant information:

The information can be sent by email to lisa.kershaw@algernontrust.org.uk

Please understand that often we are only able to accept new animals into our care with the help of foster homes, therefore time would be needed to arrange a new placement of an animal in foster care.

If you would like any further information on fostering or have any questions, please feel free to call Jane at the Sanctuary on 07977 555238

The Animal Sanctuary was set up over twenty years ago when the founder Jane Shepherd moved to Whittlebury near Towcester. For the first eleven years it was a purely private enterprise paid for entirely out of her own pocket.



As the Sanctuary grew over the years, and having exhausted all of her personal finances, the Algernon Trust was established in 2001 as a non-profit organisation in order to raise funds to keep the shelter going. In 1991 Jane arrived with just five feral cats, one fox and one rabbit. Today there are usually at least sixty cats, twelve dogs, plus foxes and assorted poultry in the Trust's care.  Jane also provides a wildlife rescue service 24 hours a day 52 weeks a year.

Today, the Sanctuary is well known and respected.  They have achieved registered charitable status and have been entered into the Register of Charities with the Registered Charity Number 1151827.

The Trust re-homes cats and dogs where possible but many of the cats Jane takes in are sick and/or elderly who need to remain at the Sanctuary for the rest of their days. Currently there are over thirty residents. The Trust has become as much a hospice and retirement home for cats as a re-homing centre, and caring for sick and elderly feline friends puts an enormous strain on the Trust's finances.

Animals are taken in from a wide area not just from Northamptonshire and adjacent counties but from all over the country.  The Trust has a strict “no kill” policy and Jane has no age restriction and has taken in cats over 20 years old.  All animals are neutered, vaccinated and micro chipped before being rehomed, all at the expense of the Algernon Trust.



DOGS NEEDING FOSTERING

All of these dogs are currently staying in kennels or at the Sanctuary - they would love to be able to stay in a home environment with a foster carer until they are adopted! 

IF YOU ARE ABLE TO HELP ANY OF THESE DOGS BY OFFERING THEM A PLACE IN YOUR HOME UNTIL THEY FIND THEIR FOREVER HOME, PLEASE CONTACT 

TARA ON 07734 910111 OR 

EMAIL LISA.KERSHAW@ALGERNONTRUST.ORG.UK







BOWE

Adorable Bowe is a Collie cross Dalmation. At 8 years old, he is very playful & would benefit from an active home. He is incredibly friendly & loves his ball! He has previously had bad experiences with children so is looking for a home without children. He has not lived with other dogs and can be unpredictable with others at the Sanctuary so is looking for a home with no other dogs, he is not assessed with cats. Bowe is currently staying at the Sanctuary. You can see a short video of Bowe at WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=UAEWRT5P1MW&LIST=PLD8QAJHQ9ZWY7PW5YZ_QFZGLIKNUSDHEM&INDEX=6 AND www.youtube.com/watch?v=dde6_cbW7iE&list=PLD8qaJhq9zwY7pW5YZ_QFzGLIKNusdhEM&index=14









Billy

4 year old Billy is a lovely, friendly chap, he pulls on the lead but knows basic commands and is very well behaved. He seems to be ok with other dogs and isn’t known with cats. He is looking for a foster or forever home & is currently staying in kennels.  Here is a short video clip of Billy.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ39JtAsKB0






Luke

Luke is approx 2 years old Blue Brindle Staffie cross male. He is friendly and good with other dogs & has been ok with the cats at the Sanctuary. Luke does need some work on his training and needs to live with a confident dog or only dog. Luke is currently staying in kennels. He is looking for a foster or forever home. A video clip of Luke is available http://youtu.be/QDPZdsLItIw 




Dolly
Sweet Dolly is about 3 yrs old; spayed, vaccinated, chipped. Lovely sweet and affectionate Staffie Cross, seems fine with other dogs but not trusted with cats. She does need a calm environment with no children or other pets where she can readjust to family life with someone who is willing to work with her on her training. She is very agile and would make an excellent agility dog or would enjoy playing flyball. Dolly adores playing anything with a ball! Here is a short video of Dolly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdmRyQZWceg
   Dolly is currently staying at the Sanctuary. 




Casper

Casper was an unclaimed stray in the pound who was saved from being put to sleep. He is a 3-4 year old male Staffie cross.. He is friendly and said to be good with other dogs but not cats. Casper needs a home with someone who is prepared to work on his training. He is a very friendly chap and good with commands and very gentle taking treats . Casper is calm and overall a happy chappy .He is currently staying in kennels. 








CATS IN NEED OF FOSTERING










Mowser

Mowser is a very sweet black short haired female who came into our care as a stray. She is currently staying at the Trust. Adoption subject to home check and adoption fee.

Ways That Algernon Trust Need Your Support!

Ways to Support Algernon Trust

Most of Algernon Trust supporters will know that Algernon Trust was founded by Jane Shepherd nearly 25 years ago and still today Jane runs the Sanctuary supported by an invaluable team of volunteers.



WAYS TO SUPPORT ALGERNON TRUST











 www.justgiving.com/algernontrust









The Animal Sanctuary was set up over twenty years ago when the founder Jane Shepherd moved to Whittlebury near Towcester. In 1991 Jane arrived with just five feral cats, one fox and one rabbit. Today there are usually at least sixty cats, twelve dogs, plus foxes and assorted poultry in the Trusts care.  Jane also provides a wildlife rescue service 24hours a day 52 weeks a year. The Trust re-homes cats and dogs where possible but many of the cats Jane takes in are sick and/or elderly who need to remain at the Sanctuary for the rest of their days. Currently there are over thirty residents. The Trust has become as much a hospice and retirement home for cats as a re-homing centre, and caring for sick and elderly feline friends puts an enormous strain on the Trusts finances.  Animals are taken in from a wide area not just from Northampton shire and adjacent counties but from all over the country.  The Trust has a strict “no kill” policy and Jane has no age restriction and has taken in cats over 20 years old.  All animals are neutered and micro chipped before being rehomed.

There are many different ways that you can support The Algernon Trust

ADOPTIONS 

Coffee


For those looking for a permanent new addition for your family, adopting a rescue pet gives that animal a new loving home.  Perhaps you aren't able to adopt yourself, however please do share details of animals needing homes, our website, facebook, twitter & blog are kept up to date with animals needing homes.

FOSTERING

Dolly


The Trust only has 4 kennels, all donated, plus the old ferret pen for emergencies.  Foster homes are relied on to provide temporary care for dogs awaiting a forever home, fostering an animal not only allows that animal to live in a family environment but also frees up space for us to help more animals.  The kennels are paid for by the Trust.  Foster carers make a huge difference, not only does this reduce the cost of boarding kennels but it enables the dogs to live in a home environment until such time that they find their forever homes, foster carers provide love and food for the dogs and the Trust provides support and also covers vets bills.

http://algernontrust.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/foster-homes-urgently-needed-to-help-us.html

VOLUNTEERING



Jane relies on volunteers to help at the sanctuary with feeding and cleaning out all the animals and dog walking.  She has a regular team and is always in need of both regular helpers as well as those who are able to cover holidays & illnesses etc.

http://algernontrust.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/volunteering-at-sanctuary-helping-care.html

FUNDRAISING


Fundraising events, pub quizzes, charity events, fairs etc are invaluable, if you are able to organise anything or have any other ideas - perhaps you could ask your local pub or club to hold a quiz night!

We are now registered on Just Giving for online fundraising! www.justgiving.com/algernontrust

We try to attend as many local events as possible to raise much needed funds & to let people know about our work. Volunteering to run a stand for us allows us to attend more events, we provide merchandise and leaflets etc.  We often have to pay a booking fee so please be sure you are free on the date you volunteer for first!


Donations
  • Donations can be sent via www.amazon.co.uk/registry/wishlist/3D7XY9TZZBEJK
  • Donations can be sent by paypal to donate@algernontrust.org.uk - please select the gift option
  • Financial donations don't have to be large amounts, every little helps, lots of members send small regular amounts & these really help the work of the trust, Regular standing orders for £1 or £2 are very much appreciated and can be sent to The Algernon Trust Bank; Sort Code: 40-44-26; Account No: 01213636
  • Algernon Trust is listed on www.easyfundraising.org.uk as a Charity. All you need to do is register, select Algernon Trust as your chosen charity and shop through web page and the donation automatically gets sent. Its as easy as that!
  • We regularly purchase supplies from Croft & Co Pet Foods in Broad Street Banbury & donations can be made through them directly onto our account.
  • You can now donate by text! Text ALGY14 £2 to 70070 to donate to The Algernon Trust and make a difference today. JustTextGiving by Vodafone.
Support Our Christmas Appeal

http://algernontrust.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/algernon-trust-christmas-appeal-2014.html


Remember Us in Your Will

Although 74% of people regularly support a charity in their lifetime, only 6% of the UK's population have left a gift to charity in their Will!

Gift Aid

The Government operates a scheme called Gift Aid that allows charities to claim the basic rate tax on every pound donated.

So if you donated £10 to Algernon Trust, it means that you’ll actually be giving us at least £12.50!

Giving under Gift Aid means that so much more money can be raised at no extra cost to our donors, only UK tax payers can give under gift aid & you will need to fill in a form to allow us to claim!

Is your employer part of the Give As You Earn scheme?  You can nominate Algernon Trust as your nominated charity!  More info here:  http://www.workplacegiving.co.uk/how-it-works/


COLLECTIONS

We are often offered pet items that are no longer needed by people, or people may want to donate food or other items brought from places other than Amazon.  It is really helpful for us if we can tell them a business or company not too far from them where they can take items they would like to donate.  If you own a business and would be prepared to collect items for us then please let us know & we will arrange a collection bin for you.  If you can think of a business local to you that you think may be interested in having a collection bin for us, then please do ask them for us!

eBay


We are now registered to receive donations through ebay listings!



eBay sellers can choose to donate a percentage of their sale to their selected charity & will receive a credit towards their seller fee for doing so.



When buyers pay through eBay Checkout using PayPal, they may choose to make a small donation to a featured or their favourite charity, regardless of whether the item originally sold for charity.



http://www.ebay.co.uk/egw/ebay-for-charity/charity-profile/?NP_ID=61304

Personalised Greeting Cards


We are delighted to confirm that we are now supported by DoodleDoo Personalised Charity Greetings Cards​ - shop with them, select us as your charity and we will receive 10% of your purchase cost at no additional cost to you!


www.doodle-doo.co.uk/home

Help Us Raise Funds by recycling your printer cartridges, mobile phones and other gadgets

The Algernon Trust is raising funds by asking its supporters to recycle cartridges, phones and consumer gadgets.
It's free and straightforward — this site will help you do your part for the environment with your empty cartridges and other electronics, and help you to raise funds for Algernon Trust at the same time.
http://algernon.ink2cash.co.uk/

BACS Ltd - Big Break For Charities

BACS Ltd are currently running 'Big Break For Charities'

The cause that receives the highest number of votes each month will receive £2,000; the cause with the second highest number of votes will receive £1,000; and the remaining £2,000 will be divided amongst the runners up. 

We have been nominated for May - please can we ask for your vote!

https://www.directdebit.co.uk/DirectDebitPromotions/BigBreak2014/Pages/CauseDetail.aspx?CauseId=571

Or text BIG BREAK 0571 to 78866

Current Appeals



From time to time we have specific things we are fundraising for, please do look out for these & you can help us by letting your friends & family know!  Our current appeals are:

Currently Algernon Trust has 23 dogs looking for forever homes, which is an unprecedented number. Being only a small Rescue this is a huge additional expense to cover along with the many cats also in their care.  Most of the animals are un-neutered, need vaccinating & micro-chipping, some have had general medical issues that have required veterinary treatment. This is of course in addition to the general day to day costs of feeding & housing the animals, so they are now desperate for funds. Without help, the Trust will have to turn away any animals needing rescue, many who may otherwise be put to sleep.

Donations would be very much appreciated & can be sent to The Algernon Trust Bank; Sort Code: 40-35-04; Account No: 02701081 or by PayPal to donate@algernontrust.org.uk (please select the gift option).  


Some of the dogs rescued in April 2013 alone!
http://www.justgiving.com/Kennelcosts

The Trust only has 4 kennels, all donated, plus the old ferret pen for emergencies.  Foster homes are relied on to provide temporary care for dogs and cats awaiting adoption. Sometimes it is necessary to keep dogs at private boarding kennels to ensure they are not put to sleep when the Sanctuary is full.  The kennels are paid for by the Trust.  

Please help us with the cost of the kennels, every £1 helps - you can also donate by text - Text KENN14 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 or change the amount in the text!

SMALL CHARITY WEEK 15-20TH JUNE 2015

Please let us know if you can support us during this week! Maybe you could hold a collection in your workplace, a coffee morning or hold a sponsored event – perhaps ask your local school, pub, shop or your workplace to hold an event or simple collection - remember that you can set up a page on http://www.justgiving.com/algernontrust to fundraise online to support events!
If you can support us, please email details to lisa.kershaw@algernontrust.org.uk



Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can be confusing, there is an excellent article on Martin Lewis' Moneysaving 

expert site which explains the different levels of cover & what to look out for when comparing prices

www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/cut-pet-insurance-costs

We believe Pet Plan, whilst not the cheapest, offers a good level of cover, if you choose to insure with them, please do mention us as they send us a small reward :)

http://www.petplan.co.uk/


PETS AT HOME VIP CLUB

You can nominate us as your chosen charity through Pets at Home VIP Club! Simply select Daventry as your chosen store & then you will be able to select us!

https://vip.petsathome.com/Club.aspx


Donate Old Mobile Phones

If you have old mobile phones lying around that you no longer need, please consider donating these to us!


Nominations


From time to time companies run nominations for causes to support or charity related awards seek nominations, please do look out for these & as well as nominating us, please do let us know so we can let other supporters know!

Currently you can nominate us for:

The Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards 2015 are now open for nominations - please do nominate us if you feel we deserve the recognition! (For reference our Registered Charity No is 1151827, town is Whittlebury & postcode is NN12 8XN)

The Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards celebrate the fantastic work that goes on in charities and rescue centres. Petplan has worked closely with organisations that rehome animals for over 36 years and hosts these inspiring awards in partnership with the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) to recognise the achievements of those who strive to improve the welfare of animals every day.

http://www.petplan.co.uk/charityawards/



Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund Winners! http://www.galaxyhotchocolate.com/galaxyfund2014/profiles/algernon-trust


ASDA Nominate a Cause 



ASDA are inviting their customers and colleagues to nominate their favourite local cause for a charitable contribution

To nominate Algernon Trust, simply find your local store and click the nominate button on the right of their page! Tell them your name, email address & why you want them to support us!

We would really appreciate your nominations, here are the links to the pages for Northampton & Milton Keynes stores :)

http://storelocator.asda.com/store/northampton-thornton

http://storelocator.asda.com/store/milton-keynes




Thank you for your support!