A £1MILLION project to build a re-homing centre at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, near Chard, has reached another fundraising milestone.

The sanctuary in Wambrook needs to raise £500,000 towards the project and this week announced it hit the £200,000 mark.

The New Digs for Dogs project received a setback last month when it was decided to postpone the scheduled November opening until the New Year to ensure a smooth transition for the animals.

But animal lovers have still been digging deep to help the cause.

Jenny Wheadon, head of external funding at the sanctuary, said: “We’ve just been given a couple of large donations – but we receive them from as little as £1 upwards.

“Whatever the amount, every penny counts and this is how we have now raised a staggering £209,113.62 – well on the way to our halfway mark.”

Fundraising successes include £501.97 from a dog show at The Mason’s Arms in Lower Odcombe, Yeovil, organised by Ferne volunteer Paula Tennyson.

A collection by volunteers outside Tesco in Ilminster raised £456.01.

Jenny added: “We’ll also shortly have details of a parachute jump that will be taking place and our virtual race ends on Sunday.”

Volunteers are now needed for appeal events including:

  • Bag packing at Tesco in Seaton on Saturday
  • Manning stalls at the Mole Avon event in Axminster on Saturday, October 18
  • The Mayor’s Christmas Event at The Guildhall, Chard, on Saturday, November 29
  • Collection outside Tesco in Seaton on Thursday, December 4 .

Other events include a Sixties Night at Tatworth Memorial Hall on Saturday, November 8. Everyone is welcome.

Jenny said: “It’s heart-warming to know that so many people are supporting our appeal and raising money in so many different ways to help Ferne reach its target.

“To have achieved such a huge amount of money towards the new re-homing centre since March is just wonderful and I can’t thank everyone enough for their generosity.

“We still have a way to go. So please do keep all those coffee mornings, garage sales and other events going.”

Anyone who can help – even for a couple of hours – can call the sanctuary on 01460-65214.