Member Article

Christmas appeal for homeless animals in Cheltenham boosted by local hotel support

A shoebox appeal which provides homeless dogs, cats and other animals in Cheltenham with toys, treats and necessities on Christmas Day has been boosted by support from a local hotel.

Cheltenham Animal Shelter has run its popular annual appeal for many years, providing shoeboxes full of gifts for the animals it cares for at Christmas.

This year, The Greenway Hotel and Spa in Shurdington has partnered with the shelter to back its Christmas appeal, pledging to donate a shoebox for each bedroom it sells at Christmas.

The support comes at a difficult time for the shelter, which has been heavily impacted by the cost-of-living crisis this year with operating costs climbing to a ‘worrying’ £1 million.

The shelter cares for around 650 unwanted and abandoned cats, dogs and small animals every year and relies entirely on the generosity of supporters to continue its vital work.

The Greenway Hotel and Spa has partnered with the shelter as part of its Giving Back campaign, which supports a good cause in the local community every Christmas.

Head of fundraising Alison Jarvis said: “We are incredibly thankful of the support from The Greenway Hotel at an important time for us, with the cost-of-living crisis impacting us in so many ways.

“We have seen the number of people surrendering their animals to us increase more than ever before, while the number of strays has significantly increased and animals are also requiring more medical attention as people unfortunately cannot afford the veterinary fees.

“Like everybody, our own costs have gone up too. Our outlays have increased from £750,000 to £1 million this year which is a worrying figure as we try to work within our means, but we do not want the financial pressures to impact what we can do for the animals.

“The support from The Greenway Hotel through their Giving Back initiative is fantastic as we rely hugely on our supporters to carry out our work and the shoebox appeal provides the warm show of love these animals need and deserve at Christmas.”

The Greenway Hotel and Spa is hoping to be able to donate 21 shoeboxes – one for each bedroom – while people are also able to donate to the appeal at the hotel.

Craig Routledge, the hotel’s General Manager, added: “The shelter’s work is so hugely important and we are delighted to partner with them on their Christmas shoebox appeal this year.

“As a dog-friendly hotel and animal lovers ourselves, we see the bond between our guests and their animals on a daily basis and provide our furry guests with Christmas treats over the festive period.

“We believe every animal deserves to be loved, so we are really happy to support the shelter’s work this year by donating shoeboxes to the appeal.

“We are also opening our doors as a donation drop-off point should members of the public want to support the campaign.”

Items required by the shelter for the shoebox includes fleece blankets, dog training treats, cat treats, unopened cat or dog food, toys and accessories, and they are always grateful for unwanted towels and non-feather duvets.

The Greenway Hotel is a 16th Century Elizabethan manor house hotel based on Shurdington Road, which includes the sumptuous Elan Spa and Spa Café, and its 3 AA Rosette Garden Room Restaurant.

Its Giving Back campaign is linked to its Christmas package, which includes a three-night stay from December 24 and has limited availability remaining.

Anyone wishing to donate to the campaign at The Greenway Hotel is asked to do so before December 17.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Matt Joyce .