In March 2020 the world changed to a place no-one envisaged.
On the 10th March 2020 the GSPCA moved early when we ceased all non essential services such as events, training courses and anything that could involve bringing people together to lower any risk of the spread of covid-19.
This of course caused huge issues in raising funds to rehoming animals and presented many challenges, but we had to carry out our essential 24/7 services and care for the many animals at the GSPCA.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “This time 5 years ago the world for us all became a very different place.”
“At the GSPCA we moved very early as dealing with a range of diseases due to the many animals we care for we could clearly see the challenges covid-19 was about to bring so we ceased all non essential services from 10th March 2020 having already drastically increasing biosecurity measures.”
“Saying this our essential 24/7 work meant we couldn’t stop rescuing animals and caring for those at the Shelter.”
“To do this we had to have the essential workers documents to risk assessments and procedures in place to ensure we complied with the daily changing rules which transformed the world we lived in.”
“Many of our volunteers unless essential were unable to physically help and with no-one traveling our boarding income and animals dried up with the exception of emergencies when owners became ill or worse.”
“Funding was a huge issue and we were one of the first charities to launch a covid appeal which we couldn’t believe the generosity of islanders during an incredibly difficult time.”
“The fund raising ideas islanders came up with from making and selling nest boxes to swims, walks and so much more not only brought in much needed funds but really warmed the hearts of the team during these hard times.”
“With so many islanders at home and lack of movement on our roads as well as the stunning weather we saw an explosion of animals and between 2020 to 2022 we helped and saw more wildlife than in the previous 148 year history at that time with the 2020 over 720 hedgehogs while most years are 400-500 and over 2000 birds.”
“Without physical events we held a number of online picture and colouring competitions which were great fun and the donations of items like face masks all helped.”
“One thing covid really put on hold was our big build we were planning.”
“However 5 years later we are very soon to start our BIGGEST BUILD which will include a new Wildlife Hospital, kennels and other facilities and for ways to support this much needed build please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal .”
“There are so many tales to tell from these difficult days but one thing stands out is our amazing GSPCA team and the incredibly community support which we cannot thank all that supported during these challenging times and you can see many of the stories on our blog pages from these times www.gspca.org.gg .”
"We of course had many challenges when team members weren't able to attend work with the precautions in place but thanks to their care in so many ways we emerged from it all with some innovative new ways of working."
"From the home to home service to adaptations in the ways we work to taking breaks there were some incredible things to come out as positives from such a negative time."
“Disease challenges never stop though as risks from avian flu to foot and mouth mean a day doesn’t go by where we have to take care in all we do at the GSPCA as we never know what the next animal may be suffering from.”
"The challenges never stop and daily we have to strive to do the best we can."
“There are many ways you can help support our vital 24/7 work and donate or raise funds for the hundreds of animals in our care.”
“With nearly 100 hedgehogs, 1 seal pup, musk turtles, dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, reptiles and many birds we help over 3000 animals through the doors every year.”
“With so many animals in our care we would love you to join our sponsor scheme to help us each month.”
“Just a couple of pounds each month can make a massive difference in helping the animals in our care and to find out more please go to http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf .”
“To make a donation you can go to https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA) .”
“We couldn’t do so much without your support and here a few ideas of how you can help us help animals in Guernsey.”
Post new comment