The current restrictions have meant that local charity, Oak Tree Animals’ Charity, have had to cancel all their usual events for the foreseeable. Events not only generate much needed income, but they’re a fantastic way for local people to get involved and keep in touch with the latest from the charity.
Oak Tree’s team had to think quickly and came up with an alternative to their usual Easter Dogs Day Out Dog Show, adapting it to work from a distance! They hosted three competitions for supporters to get involved in, which included an online Dog Show, Short Story Competition and Guess the number of Sweets in the Jar. All three proved popular with supporters, with the Online Dog Show being a particular hit.
The Charity received 99 entries for the Dog Show, for categories including ‘Happiest Hound’, ‘Action Pup’ and ‘Rescue Rogue’. The event raised more than £400 and was enjoyed by participants and Facebook viewers alike. The results of the competitions were announced on a Facebook Live session earlier in the month, where General Manager, Caroline Johnson, talked through each competition in turn and thanked people for their participation.
Caroline says: “Thank you to everyone who took part – we were thrilled to receive so many entries and had a great deal of fun judging them! By taking part in our online fundraisers, supporters really are helping to keep both funding coming in and awareness for our cause going. Every bit of funding will help us through this difficult time.”
The charity is planning more similar events in coming weeks, so look out for Equine and Feline – themed competitions as well as other fun activities. The next online event will be the Bioblitz. This usually takes place in the woodland opposite the Tearoom, but with restrictions in place, the team have devised a fun way of encouraging supporters to get involved online. From Monday 5th May for five days, there will be a daily activity posted on Facebook for anyone and everyone to have fun with.
The Oak Tree team continues to work hard to continue supporting the community by offering support and advice, ensuring pet food is available to those who need it and helping those struggling with their pets in this time. For further information, visit their website at www.oaktreeanimals.org.uk or email [email protected]
