The voice of Love Island backs Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home's urgent fundraising appeal

Comedian and reality TV presenter Iain Stirling is lending his support to an urgent fundraising appeal launched by the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.

Edinburgh-born Stirling, who is famous as the voice of hit show Love Island, is backing the local animal welfare charity, which has been hit hard financially by the coronavirus outbreak.

Prompted by “significant financial losses” incurred by the pandemic, the Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home has launched the Spring to their Senses appeal, which focuses on sensory enrichment for the animals who find their way to their shelters.

This includes the use of plants, herbs and aromatherapy to help calm or create interesting scents for the dogs and cats to discover; puzzle mats and interactive feeders to make mealtimes more interesting or even inexpensive alternatives such as cardboard and paper.

Iain Stirling has backed Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home's latest appeal

Iain Stirling, who gave a personal donation of £1,000 to the appeal, said: “It’s important that the nation’s dogs and cats are cared for in these bizarre times. They still need food, walks and love. Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home always endeavour to provide just that.”

With no government funding, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home relies on donations from the public to bring in the £2.7 million it requires to run every year. The cancellation of all fundraising events and the temporary closure of re-homing, boarding and charity shops has had a massive impact on the Home’s income.

Nicola Gunn, Director of Development and External Affairs at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “It’s a worrying time for the whole country, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by the virus.

“At Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home our priority remains the stray and unwanted pets who desperately need our help, and the struggling pet owners in our community who we continue to support through our Pet Food Bank.

“Through our Spring to their Senses appeal we are asking the public to donate whatever they can afford, to allow us to continue our vital work.”

To donate to the appeal, please visit www.edch.org.uk/Spring or text ‘SENSES’ to 70085 to donate £5 (plus standard text message rate).

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