RSPCA Charity Averts Closure by Raising £50,000 in One Month

Supporters have raised more than £50,000 in under a month to rescue the RSPCA Lancashire East animal centre in Accrington. The rapid fundraising has eased an immediate funding crisis for the branch.

Why the centre faced closure

Last month the branch warned it would have to stop running the Accrington animal centre at the end of March without new funding. The move would have put eight jobs at risk and forced a switch to a foster-based rescue model.

Fundraising efforts and results

Local people, groups and businesses organised events and collections. The branch reports more than 400 new supporters have joined its Safe Haven regular donation scheme.

• A community dog walk at the start of March raised over £1,400.
• Accrington Stanley Football Club hosted a photocall with players and centre dogs.
• Supermarket collections brought in many hundreds of pounds in donations.
• A primary school pupil raised £300 with a bake sale.
• The Baxenden Brownies ran a fundraising sale and supporters distributed thousands of flyers.

Local backing and engagement

Supporters visited the centre to chat and recall pets they adopted there. First-time visitors also asked how to get involved and help animals in the future.

Short-term outlook and next steps

Thanks to the donations, the branch says it can keep the centre open until the end of June. Trustees will continue to pursue longer-term, sustainable operating options.

Filmogaz.com reports that the RSPCA charity averted closure after local fundraising efforts raised over £50,000 in under a month. The branch remains focused on securing a stable future for the centre and its staff.