An RSPCA branch which is operating out of a Letchworth shed is in desperate need of volunteers and funding, according to those who run the charity.
The Hertfordshire East Branch of the RSPCA comprises of around 24 volunteers, an administrator who operates out of a back garden shed in Green Lane, and a manager for the charity shop in Churchyard, Hitchin.
The self-funding charity is the first point of call for people in the area with animals in distress that need to be re-homed or those that are struggling to pay off veterinary bills.
Vicky Burrell, the RSPCA Hertfordshire East Branch administrator, said: “We want to be here for the community, but we also need to be supported by the community.
“I have seen the membership falling and we want more young people to join up. It is such a rewarding thing to do. It is not only helping animals who are in distress, but it is helping people who are very attached to their animals, but can’t look after them anymore. Volunteers can really make a difference to people whose pet is their lifeline.”
Branch member Heather Nicholls said: “We desperately need more volunteers and more funding. Most of our money needs to be raised locally and we need to generate as many ways of creating income as possible.”
The team are still reeling from the loss of Pat Trussell, who served as honorary branch secretary and had been the ‘local face of the RSPCA’ for more than 30 years until her sudden death on September 18 at the age of 79.
The branch is determined to carry on Pat’s legacy of dedication and devotion to animal welfare.
Heather said: “Few people knew that when they called the RSPCA ‘office’ their call went through to a shed in Pat’s back garden in Letchworth. She always believed that monies raised should be spent on the animals, rather than ‘frittered away’ on plush accommodation.
“She was passionate about animal welfare, and had little time for the politics sometimes associated with the national RSPCA. She regularly wrote to the Prime Minister of the day and to senior RSPCA executives to fight against injustice against animals without a voice of their own.”
For more information visit www.rspca.org.uk/local/-/rspca/hertfordshire-east-branch or ring 01462 672278.
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