Deeping St James wildlife sanctuary, the Exotic Pet Refuge, has received a donation for £2,500 from a local friendship group.
Outgoing Chairperson of the Nene and Welland Oddfellows friendship group, Elaine Brown, handed over the cheque last month, having chosen the Refuge as her charity of the year.
The money has been raised through a number of events, including raffles, car boot sales and indoor table top sales. Other donations of bedding, towels and food have also been given.
The Nene and Welland Oddfellows has now supported the wildlife sanctuary to the tune of over £6,500 over the last few years.
Pam Mansfield founded the Exotic Pet Refuge in 1984 with her late husband, Mel, after someone came to them with an injured bird. She said: “We’re very grateful to the Oddfellows for their continued support.
“Without help like this we wouldn’t have the ability to do the work we do and provide these animals the most comfy life possible.”
Pam is now helped by her child, Darren, and a little group of routine volunteers. The money will help the Station Road website look after over 250 animals, consisting of snakes, monkeys, and even a lynx.
Karen Earth, Branch Secretary at the Nene and Welland Oddfellows, said: “Our members have worked so hard throughout the year to make this donation possible, so thank you to everyone who helped and donated.
“As well as helping people find friendship, the Oddfellows has a proud history of supporting good causes. It’s nice to know that we’re making a difference in our community.”
Exotic Pet Refuge likewise hosts open days, with 2 upcoming on Sunday June 11 and Sunday July 9. For more information visit their Facebook page.
This Oddfellows have actually now set their sights on raising funds for the Deeping Men’s Group, and will exist at the Deepings Carnival on Sunday June 25 from 12pm and are holding a car boot sale at Glebe Park, Market Deeping, on Saturday July 8.
People thinking about discovering more about the Nene and Welland Oddfellows, which belongs to among the UK’s oldest and biggest friendly societies, can email [email protected] or call her on 01778 342006.
