Community Fund helps RSPCA Isle of Wight to go electric

 RSPCA Isle of Wight has received a welcome financial boost, allowing the animal charity to install a charging point for its electric van - thanks to a donation from Southern Vectis. 

“We will be using our electric van to collect animals, take them to the vets, and collect food and materials,” said RSPA’s Steve Backhouse. “The fact that our van is electric is helping us do our bit for the environment, whilst supporting the island’s animals and wildlife - but all this comes at a cost. 

“We applied to Southern Vectis’ community fund for help to install our charging point, and were delighted to receive £500. 

“Christmas is a busy time of year for us, but our team works hard throughout the whole year, caring for some of the Island’s most vulnerable animals. We currently have 20 rabbits, 20 cats and eight dogs in our care. Some were mistreated or abandoned, whilst others were handed over to us because their owners could no longer look after them. We hope to find them all wonderful new forever homes, and are grateful for all the support we receive from people across the Isle of Wight.”

RSPCA Isle of Wight needs to raise £750,000 each year to carry out its vital work, supporting animals across the island - and all of this comes from donations from local individuals and businesses.

 Simon Moye, Southern Vectis operations manager, added: “We know how crucial RSPCA Isle of Wight is to people and, of course, to animals here. 

 “This is exactly the type of cause our community fund is designed to help, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to make a donation - especially since the money will go towards sustainable transport. We’re in the process of installing our own charging points for our new fleet of electric buses - so this is yet another good reason for our support."

 To donate to RSPCA Isle of Wight, please visit rspca-isleofwight.org.uk