Poynton News - written by local people

The local branch of the RSPCA - Macclesfield SE Cheshire & Buxton Branch - is struggling to attract sufficient volunteers across its wide geographical area (roughly Manchester Airport - east of Buxton - south to Alsager and Sandbach - back to airport) to carry out vital fundraising to support animal welfare in the region.  New faces are urgently required!

Branch volunteer co-ordinator, Gillian Kaloyeropoulos said "Many people don't realise that local RSPCA branches must be self-sufficient in funding their activities.  In the case of this branch that means raising about £3,500 a month as a charity in our own right.  Fundraising at every opportunity and in every way is vital to us and the abandoned and cruelty case animals which we have to care for and rehome.  Perhaps, one of the most effective means is the traditional street collection or Flag Day, as they are often called.  We need volunteers who are willing to hold cans for us one-to-three times a year during these street collections, usually for up to two hours at a time."

The branch is just now putting in place its 2008 programme of Flag Days for Alderley Edge, Alsager, Bollington, Buxton, Congleton,  Macclesfield, Prestbury, Poynton and Wilmslow.  In the last months of this year collections are already scheduled for September 29 - Congleton, October 4 - Sandbach, November 30/December 1 - Wilmslow and December 7/8 - Macclesfield.

Michael Rutherford, Branch Publicity Officer, said "It is surprising how many volunteers offer their help quoting their reason for doing so as being rescue dog owners, they simply wish to give something back and ensure that other rescue pets get the same chance their own rescue had.  Others simply want to ensure their efforts raise money to keep animal rehoming effective and to see cruelty case animals in particular, going to 'loving forever homes', where they can grow to realise that not all humans are inhuman.  We have an interesting and much illustrated news page on our branch web site which shows not only volunteers on street collections, but where the results of those efforts have had real effect.  I hope as many local people as possible look at that page."

The entire branch depends on volunteers at all levels and having no RSPCA real estate, must pay vets, kennels and catteries to carry out its work in the community.  Anyone wishing to help make sure the branch CAN DO its job and who wants to volunteer should complete the online volunteer form at www.rspca-macclesfield.org.uk or leave their name and contact number at 01625 669620.