The Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter celebrated a remarkable achievement at their inaugural Burns Night Supper on Thursday 25th January 2024. Held at the Vertu Arena on Scotswood Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, the event saw over 150 attendees and successfully raised over £8,000. The funds are earmarked for the shelter’s various needs, including heating, veterinary bills, and general animal welfare costs, benefiting dogs and cats in need, such as Skye, a dog with a particularly touching story of recovery and hope.
The evening was filled with traditional Scottish fare and entertainment, featuring poetry readings of Robert Burns, the ceremonious piping in of the haggis, and a series of engaging fundraising activities. Highlights included a Chuck-a-grouse game, where one lucky participant won a 4.5L bottle of Famous Grouse, and the Highland Bounce game, led by a player from the Newcastle Eagles. Additional attractions such as a raffle, an auction, a three-course meal, a cheese cart, and a chocolate fountain, combined with live music from the band Storm, ensured a memorable night for all involved.
Reflecting on the tremendous success of the Burns Night Supper, Anjuli Hakin, the Animal Welfare Manager at Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated and contributed. “We are deeply moved by the generosity and spirit of our community. This event was not just a celebration but a lifeline for animals in desperate need,” Hakin remarked. She highlighted the transformative journey of Skye, a dog whose story captivated the hearts of those in attendance.
“Skye’s tale is one of remarkable resilience and hope. Arriving at our shelter in March 2023, she was a dog overwhelmed by anxiety, manifesting in severe self-injury and distress. The care we were able to provide, thanks to our supporters, included specialist medical attention and a nurturing foster environment. It’s incredible to witness her transformation; from a dog who could hardly be left alone without harming herself, to now thriving in her forever home, basking in the sun by the window, fully at ease. Skye’s recovery is a testament to what we can achieve with the funds and support from events like the Burns Night Supper,” she continued.
Anjuli’s statement underscored the significance of the funds raised during the Burns Night Supper, emphasising their critical role in supporting the shelter’s ongoing efforts to provide medical care, rehabilitation, and loving homes for animals like Skye. “Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to a much larger story of healing and hope. Skye’s journey from vulnerability to vitality is a powerful reminder of the impact our collective support can have. It is stories like hers that drive us to continue our work, ensuring every animal that comes through our doors has a fighting chance at a better life.”.
The event’s proceeds will significantly aid in covering the costs associated with the care of animals at the shelter. On average, a dog at the shelter incurs a daily cost of £25 for necessities such as food, veterinary care, medication, and kennel maintenance, with cats costing around £15 per day. The shelter’s Troubled Tail Appeal has so far raised over £60,000, helping animals like Skye recover and find new homes.
For more information about the Troubled Tail appeal please click here.
Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter would like to thank the following supporters for helping to make Burns Night 2024 a huge success:
3Sixty
Apartment Group
Bar52
Blythman & Partners
Craftaloon
Delta Force Paintball
Grand Hotel Gosforth
Hatchet Harry’s
Hopwood VAT
Hilton Newcastle Gateshead
Iain Slater – Bagpiper
Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club
Mincoffs Solicitors
Linden Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa
Newcastle Eagles
Newcastle Falcons
Newcastle Racing & Events
Ramside Catering
Scream for Pizza
Spoon
Storm AV
Teamsport
Vertu Motors Arena