A kind-hearted Alexandria dog groomer has organised a fundraising jumble sale after saying that she couldn’t bear the thought of animals suffering during the war in Ukraine.
Irene Corker, who runs mobile dog groomers Corky’s K9, plans to send money raised through the event at St Kessog’s Church Hall on Saturday (May 21) to a charity recognised by the Ukraine Embassy.
According to reports from Ukraine, hundreds of animals are dying every week as a result of the conflict - with families being forced to make heartbreaking decisions to leave their much-loved pets behind.
And it was that thought that led to Irene taking action.
She told the Lennox Herald: “When I see the situation I always think of the animals first.
“I have two indoor cats and I always think, what if something like this happened here?
“If you had to flee and you had a pet what would you do?
“I couldn’t leave mine.
“I feel for everyone in Ukraine in that situation.
“It’s just horrific.
“Some of the animals go for days without being fed because there isn’t any food.
“Some are stuck in little cages.
“It’s the worst thing in the world and something I can’t bear the thought of.
“If we could do anything at all, any little amount that people could spare, then we could help out.”
Irene continued by outlining the situation faced by many animals in the country, and revealed that she has contacted the Ukrainian Embassy to ensure that the money goes to a legitimate charity.
She explained: “You hear and read in the news about the situation.
“A lot of the animals have been killed already in the strikes and with people having to flee they are leaving their animals.
“A lot have been picked up and moved into shelters and are in a bad way.
“They need food and medical supplies, and every day the shelters are getting busier and busier.
“I thought I had to do something.
“I didn’t want to just ask for donations in a time where so many people are struggling financially, and that’s why I decided on a jumble sale where hopefully people can benefit by getting something they needed or wanted.
“Hopefully we can get a lot of people to come along.
“We have some good items that people have donated.
“At times like this, you just have to do what you can to help out.”
Residents are urged to come along to the fundraising jumble sale which takes place between 10am and 5pm this Saturday at St Kessog’s Church Hall on Balloch Road.
