Stonebridge City Farm is launching a winter appeal for people to buy and donate presents for its animals, to keep them healthy and happy throughout the Christmas period.
The community charity’s new initiative encourages people to buy materials and services for its livestock — including feed, healthcare, and habitat materials — from a list of the most needed items.
The farm, which is based on Stonebridge Road in St Ann’s, Nottingham, not only offers a much-needed home for over 50 animals, it also provides a safe space for the team of volunteers helping to run the facility.
It involves around 150 volunteers each week and relies entirely on donations to fund its £1,300-per-day running costs, which means it can open its door for free to visitors.
To get involved in the farm’s very first winter appeal you can buy everything from rabbit and guinea pig food for £5, a horse’s farrier appointment for £30 or a bale of hay for £50.
The volunteers themselves also benefit from the appeal, with an option to buy them a fleece to keep them warm while on the farm for £10.
Grace Devey, marketing and events coordinator at Stonebridge City Farm, said: “The charity wouldn’t exist without the generosity of people’s time and donations. Our volunteers look after every aspect of the farm — from feeding the animals to working in the shop.
“As the cold weather approaches, it’s vital that we ensure all our animals are well-fed and our volunteers are warm. This winter appeal is to remind people of how much we need their help.
“We know times are tough at the moment but if people can spare an extra few pounds this Christmas to buy some tortoise food, help pay for vets’ bills or keep our animals warm with extra hay, it would be appreciated so much.”
With the appeal officially launching on 28 November 2022 and running throughout winter until March, items can be bought on Stonebridge City Farm’s online shop. Donations can also be made to the farm via its JustGiving page.
For more information about Stonebridge City Farm, the work it does, the animals it looks after and the opportunities to volunteer, visit www.stonebridgecityfarm.com.
