Carlton Forest Animal Rescue takes in 86 newcomers during virus lockdown

Store bosses have sprung to the rescue of an animal sanctuary which is caring for a sudden influx of abandoned pets amid the Covid-19 lockdown.
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Carlton Forest Animal Rescue has taken in 72 dogs and 14 cats for rehoming in the past five weeks.

Staff at Wilko’s store in Worksop rallied to support the animal centre by donating enough pet food to build up and maintain the new residents’ strength. This will help the rescue team to continue their vital work.

Jerome Saint-Marc, who is chief executive officer of Wilko, said: “We know that this crisis is hitting charities and causes hard and hope this gesture by our animal-loving Worksop store team will go some way to help Carlton Forest Animal Rescue continue its amazing work in caring for dogs and cats in need.

Carlton Forest animal rescue centre receives a delivery of food from Wilko's store in Worksop.Carlton Forest animal rescue centre receives a delivery of food from Wilko's store in Worksop.
Carlton Forest animal rescue centre receives a delivery of food from Wilko's store in Worksop.

“We’re incredibly proud of and thankful to our team members across the entire business who have done a phenomenal job in ensuring hardworking families have access to the products they need and we appreciate the extra mile they’re going here to support local causes and communities throughout the UK.”

This donation is one of many projects Wilko is undertaking to support communities during the Covid-19 crisis.

Other activities include launching a £125,000 community fund, donating thousands of Easter eggs to families in need and NHS workers and enabling members of its Worksop support centre staff to volunteer for an Alzheimer’s Society helpline which caters for vulnerable people who may feel isolated.