Charity's a friend to all animals

Friends of Animal Charities members have given $100,000 in grants to struggling local animal welfare charities.

Friends of Animal Charities reached a milestone last month, with $100,000 distributed to needy animals across Kapiti and the Wellington region.

Just over two years after 20 women set up the secondhand charity shop, located in Paraparaumu Beach, more than a dozen struggling animal welfare divisions had received donations from store profits.

They included HUHA, S.A.F.E, Kitty Cat Fixers, A.R.A.N, Wellington Rabbit Rescue, Wellington Bird Rehabilitation, Upper Hutt and Horowhenua Animal Rescues, Wellington and Horowhenua SPCAs, the Carevets Foundation, Project Jonah, Kitten Inn, Levin Riding for the Disabled, G.A.P, Bullied Dogs and the Cats Protection League.

With the charity's success, it had recently leased the next door shop, which would be used for storage.

According to charity co-founder Janine Tieman, the window of the new shop would be used as a notice board for animal charities supported by the store, as well as for the local community.

Businesses were invited to purchase an advertising spot on the window to promote their services and ultimately, support the region's animals.

"The shop has gone from strength to strength and to date, we donate 70 per cent of our earning to the charities in need," Mrs Tieman said.

Like all of the charity's staff and behind the scenes members, Mrs Tieman's work was voluntary.

"This helps to keep the overheads as little as possible."

Continually looking for items to fill the shop, Friends of Animal Charities was seeking clean wearable clothing, household goods, electrical appliances, small pieces of furniture, up to date magazines, good paper and hardback books, children's toys, ornaments and CDs and DVDS.

"Thank you to our many regular customers."

Friends of Animal Charities is at 11 Maclean St, Paraparaumu Beach.