A GROUP of animal lovers from Optalis in Wokingham have been spreading Christmas cheer to pups without homes.
Optalis, based in Woosehill is a service that supports adults with learning disabilities within the borough.
Focussed Friends, an advocacy and fundraising group at Optalis wanted to support their local community and were particularly keen to visit Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre (DBARC).
Aware that not every animal has a home to go to at Christmas, the 14 members decided to spread some festive warmth for lonely pups by delivering pick’n’mix pet treat bags to DBARC.
Kelly Story, senior activity support worker at Optalis Wokingham Community Lives, said: “Focussed Friends has done an amazing job at fundraising and hand-making the treat bags.
“The group has worked so hard.”
Focussed Friends supports a fundraising campaign every year, and in the past, members have delivered Christmas drop-offs to Wokingham Hospital’s Windsor and Ascot Wards, First days children Charity, Women’s Refuge, Piaroo’s Wish, and to local residents living on their own.
This year, inspired by a visit from an assistance dog, they hit upon the idea of supporting animals in need of care at DBARC.
“When animals come into a rescue centre they’re scared,” said Kelly.
“Sometimes they’re off their food, and a tin of dog food might not tempt them, but healthy treats can help them settle in and feel safe.”
Focussed Friends fundraised through the year to provide treats and toys for animals, and made 50 pick’n’mix bags, 30 for dogs, and 20 for cats, so that treats could be chosen for each individual.
“We also delivered a new dog bed, animal toys, and treats suitable for rodents.
“And Wokingham business Purely Soap Ltd kindly donated some beautiful paw shaped soaps for animals, which we were able to take too, along with some little treat bags.
“We’re really grateful for their thoughtfulness and support.”
Kelly and Sophie Harrell took the Focussed Friends team to drop off their Christmas gifts at DBARC.
“Our visit to Diana Brimblecombe was amazing, ” said Kelly.
“We were warmly welcomed by Anne, who also showed us around and took us to see some of the guinea pigs, cats and dogs at the centre.
“It was so special to see all of the group being thanked for their hard work and treated respectfully.
“I’m so proud of what they have achieved.
“They, and their families and friends have all supported the fundraising to make this possible.
“The staff at DBARC were completely blown away, and have said that the treats can be given both to the animals that have to stay at the centre over Christmas, and taken away with any animals adopted over the season, to help them settle into their new families.”
The visit meant a lot to Focussed Friends members Anne and Danny.
Anne said: “Helping the animals is very important to me.
“I hope they all like our treats and have a happy Christmas.”
Danny added: “Thank you for letting us visit and help the animals.”
For information, visit: optalis.org, dbarc.org.uk and purelysoap.co.uk
For information, visit: https://www.optalis.org/ and https://www.dbarc.org.uk/
