South Wales organisation faces losing warehouse – and lifeline service to 34 foodbanks
A SOUTH WALES charity that provides free pet food to families in crisis has launched an urgent fundraising appeal after a major grant was unexpectedly withdrawn.
The community organisation, which supports 34 human foodbanks across the region, must raise £122,000 within four weeks to secure a permanent warehouse base. Without it, the charity warns its vital services could be forced to stop.
Since 2018, the charity has delivered more than 370,000 pet meals to families facing hardship and diverted over 14 tonnes of food from landfill. Its work aims to prevent owners from having to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets.
Alongside supplying foodbanks, the charity runs a low-cost pop-up shop selling donated pet items such as leads, collars and harnesses for £1, as well as clothing priced between 20p and £3 – offering additional help to households struggling with the rising cost of living.
Funding blow leaves charity “homeless”
Despite securing £250,000 towards the cost of a permanent home, the charity has been left reeling after a large, well-known grant provider withdrew support following a seven-month application process.
The setback has created a £122,000 shortfall. The group says it now has just four weeks to secure the funds needed to rent a warehouse space, with annual rent totalling £35,000.
If the appeal fails, the charity says it will lose the opportunity to take on the premises — putting food deliveries and the pop-up shop at risk.
Organisers fear that without their support, some families may be forced to surrender beloved pets or face “heart-breaking choices”.
One service user said: “I fed my dog pasta. I know it’s no good for him, but it’s all I had.”
The testimony highlights the growing pressures many households are under as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite.
Vision for a bigger community hub
The charity says the new premises would allow it not only to continue its current services but to expand them.
Plans include creating a welcoming community hub where people can combat loneliness, access mental health support, connect with fellow carers, or simply enjoy a warm drink and conversation with other pet owners.
Organisers believe the space could become a vibrant, inclusive haven for those who need support most.
They are also inviting businesses or major donors to support the project, offering public recognition at the premises for significant contributions.
How to help
Members of the public are being urged to:
• Donate whatever they can — with organisers stressing that even small amounts make a difference.
• Share the appeal with friends, family and colleagues, and across social media platforms to widen its reach.
The charity has supported communities across South Wales through flooding, the COVID pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.
Now, it says, it urgently needs the community’s support in return.
