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Employees dig deep to help animal sanctuary

by Lyndsey Telford
2/ 7/2008

A WILMSLOW animal sanctuary has been given a helping hand and a boost to its funds.

Employees from John Lewis dug in to help the Humane Education Society Animal Sanctuary in Newgate, when they spent the day helping clear the gardens and lay turf.

As part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility scheme, employees volunteered to get their hands dirty and they were so impressed with what they saw that they made a donation of £2,000 which will be used to help build a visitor centre so the sanctuary can promote itself in the community.

Sanctuary fundraiser David McCallam said: "It wasn’t the warmest of days, but it was smiles all round."

He added: "We asked the team to help improve the entrance, clear the weeds and lay some new turf so visitors get a better impression. As soon as the chickens were let out they all rushed to inspect the teams work and having some fresh grass to investigate they all got all very excited. They worked extremely hard all day and did a great job and we hope to see them back again shortly."

The visit was organised by John Lewis community liaison co-ordinators Christina Underhill and Jane Storey, with Alison Turnpenney and Lynn Owen getting their hands dirty too.

Jane said: "We really enjoyed our tour around the sanctuary and meeting all the many different animals which have found a safe haven there, as many have had traumatic experiences."

Christina added: "By the end of the day, the whole entrance area was transformed, it was great to know we had made such a difference."

Sanctuary trustee Janet Colter said: "We have been delighted with the help from the John Lewis team, it has given everyone a real boost to see things improving so quickly."