A CENTRE for the rehoming of unwanted pets held a sale last weekend to raise funds for the charity.
Visitors to the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre (DBARC) in Hurst were able to buy from a selection of new and second hand items for their pets.
There were pet themed fashion items for the humans too.
The Barkwrights Super Sunday Sale is a development of Barkwrights online store and Barkwrights Onsite shop at the centre.
DBARC volunteer, Trustee and Honorary Secretary, Tara Mills explains:
“Barkwrights came about as a way to sell pet care items donated to DBARC that were surplus to the requirements of the rescue centre itself.
“It’s a great way to raise some extra funds, especially when people adopt animals and need a “starter kit”.
“It has been in place for a few years at DBARC, set up like a petcare charity shop in one of the rooms at the rescue centre and has been a great asset to the centre and the customers.”
The pandemic and the lockdowns meant that members of the public weren’t allowed onsite at the centre.
There were fewer adoptions, and at the same time there was an almost total cessation of all fundraising activities.
But DBARC’s overheads still had to be paid for, along with an ever increasing number of animals that needed and continue to need extensive and expensive care.
Ms Mills and her sister Karen Hedges, had originally been raising funds for the charity by selling high quality preloved clothing and other items on EBay.
Then the decision was made to move Barkwrights online.
With help from volunteers, Ms Mills is the shop’s “virtual shop manager, listing stock online and handling sales and deliveries.
She often works with only her faithful assistant, collie cross and a DBARC rescue dog himself, George for company.
“George is not a lot of use except as a tester, model and sadly, a shoplifter,” jokes Ms Mills.
“But it is the chance to change the lives of dogs just like George that provides the motivation to work so hard to raise vital funds, at a time when the charity is struggling to see any income at all.”
With the easing of covid restrictions, came opportunities to raise money for DBARC in new ways.
Super Sunday Sales are the charity’s latest innovation, and they have proved to be very popular.
“Our sales do attract customers and we offer some great bargains,” she continues.
“The charity is lucky enough to get donations of saleable items from supporters.
“Sadly, some people see donating as a way to get rid of items in very poor condition that cannot be sold or used.
“This can be frustrating as the items can be costly to dispose of.
“But the sales only offer really great items at fair prices, both online and in the Barkwrights store onsite.”
The shop has been refurbished and is open daily at the Centre.
For more information about DBARC log on to: www.dbarc.org.uk
