News / Animals
St Werburgh’s City Farm launches urgent appeal
St Werburgh’s City Farm has launched an urgent crowdfunding appeal to pay for the basic care of its animals – including feed, veterinary costs and accommodation – in response to funding cuts.
The #FarmForever appeal aims to raise £20,000 by the end of March.
As well as feeding the animals and keeping the farm open to all, some of this money will be used to support the farm’s new social enterprise, Propagation Place.
is needed now More than ever
Launched last year, this polytunnel in Ashley Vale allotments offers training opportunities for under-represented members of the community and creates a crucial avenue of funds for the farm by growing and selling plug plants.
St Werburgh’s City Farm campaign & events manager, Paul Rainger, said: “The animals are a vital tool in the animal care programmes we provide for disadvantaged children and adults. This kind of therapeutic care we offer would be very difficult without them.”
A Gloucester Old Spot Sow at St Werburgh’s City Farm
The new campaign is part of a wider strategy of diversifying funding for the farm’s future with it now in a “transitional period”, moving away from relying on grants towards a self-sustaining and self-funded model.
“This is our first crowdfunder,” Paul says. “We do fundraising events, but we haven’t done a big appeal like this for a long time.”
The farm’s most recent fundraising saw £5,000 raised to help kit out the new learning centre.
The polytunnel in Ashley Vale allotments offers training opportunities
Every year, more than 40,000 Bristol families enjoy the animals at St Werburgh’s City Farm, and more than 3,000 vulnerable people are supported by the farm and their dedicated staff.
Businesses and friends of the farm – including Hobbs House Bakery, Better Food Company and Essential Trading – have already shown their support by offering perks to those donating to the new campaign.
To donate to the #FarmForever appeal, visit www.chuffed.org/project/st-werburghs-city-farm-farmforever-urgent-appeal
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