Remus Horse Sanctuary Response to the Autumn Budget 2024
An update from our founder, Sue Burton, following yesterday’s Budget announcements:
“We are massively concerned about the impact of the Labour budget.
“Already things were tough and we are barely keeping our heads above water. Everyone’s costs are going up therefore we are seeing the knock-on effect in that our costs are rising also, and our donations dropping as people cope with less money in their pockets.
“With yet another increase in minimum pay and a hefty hike in National Insurance we are at our wits end as to how we will raise the money to cover this when our income is spiralling downwards. We can’t pass any costs on as we are not a business.
“The Chancellor has not considered the impact on small Sanctuaries that are running on a small income. We have over 150 animals here all of which have been rescued and all of which still need food, bedding, care and vets’ appointments which we can’t take away from them. Due to the economic situation, we are finding many more welfare cases and these all need dealing with as well.
“More work. More costs and less money in – it just doesn’t add up.”
If you are able, please make a contribution towards our escalating costs. And, as we always say, every little counts!
If you would prefer to donate over the telephone or via post, please contact the office on tel: 01277 356191, or make your cheques payable to Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary and send to: Little Farm, Buttsbury, Near Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 9NZ.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Postscript 1 November 2024: The NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) has today circulated an open letter to the Chancellor, calling on her to take urgent action regarding the increased employer National Insurance contributions for charities, estimated to cost an increased £1.4b a year. By adding your name to that letter, you’ll help us make it clear how important this issue is. The more names, the more people will listen. Please sign and share the letter: www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/open-letter-chancellor-national-insurance/#add-your-signature.
Your Business can Make a Sustainable Difference
Does your business want to help create a more sustainable and equitable world?
The ‘Good Thing’ website says that a recent study identified around 1.2 million desks and 1.6 million office chairs end up in landfill each year. The study couldn’t count the amount of IT equipment, branded merchandise, surplus products and other items that also go to landfill, but if it could, we’re pretty sure the number would be staggering!
To work towards a more sustainable world, we all need to work towards a circular economy – both in our personal and in our business lives. We’ve shared lots of ways in the past how you can help Remus with your personal recycling, so we’re excited to bring you this opportunity for your business too!
So we have signed up with ‘A Good Thing’ a not-for-profit organisation matching businesses who care, with amazing local charities – like Remus Horse Sanctuary!
It’s very simple process:
- Business creates an offer
- Offer emailed to local charities
- Charities submit requests
- Business selects a charity
- Details exchanged
- Charity picks up items (though we may need assistance with this)
What can be donated?
Anything from the business can be given to or shared with us, such as IT equipment, furniture, new products, food, meeting rooms… and much more. Please note, however, that the ‘Good Thing’ platform isn’t designed for volunteering or donating money. You can visit their website to find more information on their donated items policy.
Does it cost anything?
The app is completely free for charities to receive donations. It is also free to use for businesses to make small offers. For large offers (such as a complete office clear-out) ‘A Good Thing’ ask businesses for a small fee.
You can see here how the app works and how a business can donate items to a charity.
Who collects the items?
The expectation is that the charity will collect the items, but the business may offer to deliver if more convenient. ‘A Good Thing’ acts as a matchmaking service, they do not collect or deliver the items directly.
What regions does the service operate in?
The initial pilot was run in the Thames Valley area, but the service has now been expanded to the whole of the UK.
If you’re a business, sign up and start helping Remus Horse Sanctuary today!
And finally, don’t forget we’ll be hosting our last Open Day of the season on Sunday 6 October – come and join us and celebrate World Animal Day at the same time!
Remus Horse Sanctuary joins #GivingTuesday 2020 on 1st December
Remus Horse Sanctuary is thrilled to announce that we’re one of the thousands of organisations taking part in this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign, to be held on 1 December.
Brought to the UK in 2014 by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), this year #GivingTuesday offers the opportunity to #GiveBack2020 either by donating to charity, reaffirming commitment to a cause, volunteering time or supporting others by simply helping a friend, neighbour or family member.
In 2020, the global Covid-19 pandemic has caused dramatic repercussions around the world. According to CAF research, charities have reported a significant increase in demand for their services while more than half (53%) have suffered a drop in donations. Charities estimate they will see a £10bn funding gap and without help many may be forced to close their doors.
Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary provides lifetime help and care for horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, sheep and cats, that are victims of physical and mental abuse, be it as a result of ignorance or malicious intent. The charity is 100 per cent reliant on fundraising to continue rescuing and rehabilitating animals and receives no government support.
In 2019 #GivingTuesday was the top trending item on UK Twitter and generated more than 487m impressions. In the UK, more than £14.2 million was raised in online donations (via Visa alone), equivalent to almost £10,000 per minute.
Gráinne Mathews, #GivingTuesday UK Lead at the CAF, says: “Charities have given us so much this year, from vital food deliveries during lockdown, to developing new ways to deliver services so they could continue to help those in need; all while struggling themselves with cancelled fundraising events and closed charity shops.
“This #GivingTuesday charities need us to be there for them, like they’ve been there for us. It is time to #GiveBack2020. It’s easy, just think of what you have – money, a voice, family, friends, followers, or time – and how that might help.”
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary, adds: “We are facing a huge deficit this year as a result of the funding gap created by Covid-19. We have estimated it to be somewhere in excess of £337,000.
“Our goal for #GiveBack2020 is to gain 200 new monthly donations on Tuesday 1 December, of just £5 a month, to really make a difference for the animals that we care for, and to help us recover some of what we have lost this year.
“If people can give more, I implore them to do so. However, we have tried to make our goal realistic as we understand that everyone has had an extremely tough 2020.”
For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.
Huge Deficit Faced by Essex Horse Charity
Like many charities, Remus Horse Sanctuary is suffering financially due to the impact of Covid-19 on its fundraising activities. Founder, Sue Burton believes that the charity will be facing a funding gap somewhere in excess of £337,000 for events and fundraising activities cancelled so far this year, stating that it costs £450,000 per annum to remain open.
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“At the beginning of each year, I know that we have to find hundreds of thousands of pounds just to remain open, to feed the animals and to cover the medication bills,” said Ms Burton.
The majority of fundraising activities and events take place during the warmer months from March to October all of which, apart from one, have had to be cancelled. The deficit can be estimated at a sobering £10,500 per week.
Mounting a rescue operation is extremely expensive including equipment, medical expenses and transport costs. Though the greatest impact is felt by the charity once the animals are on-site at their Sanctuary near Ingatestone in Essex – financially, emotionally, physically and mentally – as Ms Burton explained:
“The majority of animals that we rescue are, at best, malnourished and full of worms. They may have been abandoned, neglected or mistreated. Some may not recognise food and hay, let alone know what to do with it. Some may be suffering from Cushings or Laminitis. Often their lower teeth are found growing into their top gums. Some may be crippled either by overgrown hooves or injury.
“Some will have shut down completely, near death, depressed and, despite all of our best efforts, just can’t be saved. It takes its toll on them and on us. But we can’t give up, we have to continue trying to help these magnificent creatures.”
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The charity was hoping that the few remaining events scheduled, along with their online gift shop, will generate some interest. However, as Essex has now been raised to Covid-19 Alert Level High, even those few sales are unlikely to happen.
The Christmas Gift Shop is now available online with some lovely gift items including stocking fillers, new and exclusive Christmas card designs for 2020 and a new wall calendar for 2021, which features a variety of rescued animals residing at the Sanctuary. Visit www.remussanctuary.org/product-category/christmas. The Sanctuary will also accept orders placed over the telephone.
New items for 2020 include a Christmas Biscuit Gift Drum (£3.50) available as Caramel and Sea Salt biscuits or Clotted Cream shortbread, Clotted Cream Fudge (£3.25) and Milk Chocolate Truffles (£4.50). The majority of items come with a choice of Christmas design.
Sponsorship of an animal, like Blax [pictured], can also make a lovely gift for animal lovers and welfare supporters – with horses, ponies, donkeys, cats, goats and sheep to choose from! More details can be found at: www.remussanctuary.org/how-you-can-help/sponsor/.
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One socially distanced Winter Sale is due to take place on Saturday 14 November at the Billericay Reading Rooms, Covid-19 alert level allowing. Full details of the event can be found on the charity’s website at www.remussanctuary.org/events.
“As always,” concluded Ms Burton, “we are deeply indebted for everyone’s support. Every winter is tough due to the spiralling costs, but this year will be extremely difficult. We implore the public for help. If they can’t donate, we really hope they can shop with us!
“I still believe that together, we can make a difference and that no animal should be born to die”.
For further information, visit www.remussanctuary.org or contact Sue Burton on tel: 01277 356191.
Coronavirus Update
Late March we were told we had to close the Sanctuary and stop all Fundraising – for us this was going to be one of our worst nightmares as after the Winter we are desperate for our fundraising to start, so that we can begin to bring much needed funds in to feed the animals and pay the bills that have mounted up during the winter months.
Despite the Government claiming it was wrapping its arms around us all and keeping us safe during these unprecedented times, no help was ever offered to animal charities, nor were they even acknowledged. We have struggled through April, May, June and into July still without help and now that there is light at the end of the tunnel with zoos and wildlife parks etc opening there are so many rules and regulations that at present were we to try to have an Open Day with reduced numbers as requested with all the signage and new additions we have to put in place we would not make money so we are no further forward.
It looks like all stalls and fairs and fetes are cancelled for this year and we have real concerns how we will keep our heads above water until next Spring (assuming we can open then of course!). We will do our utmost to try to open this year but we do need to be sure that we can keep visitors and staff/volunteers safe and there are so many hoops to jump through and things that would need to be changed that for now we will closely monitor the ever-changing rules and requirements. If in the meantime you can help in any way, we would love to hear from you.
Can you help us with one of the following:
- Make a donation
- Set up a regular standing order
- If you haven’t renewed your membership, please consider doing so
- Why not sponsor an animal as a gift for yourself or a loved one?
- Donate any unwanted gifts, good saleable bric-a brac, used postage stamps, any bits of scrap gold or jewellery
- Can you organise a fundraiser at your workplace?
- Consider microvolunteering
Anything that you can do to help keep our gates open will be very much appreciated.
We are hoping that all our members and families have remained well and safe during these very difficult times. Thankfully all staff and volunteers have remained well and able to care for the animals. As expected with these times, cruelty to horses is on the increase and we have seen and helped some pitiful cases. It breaks your heart to see what mankind has done to these beautiful creatures
On the whole, all the Remus animals have remained well, which has been a Godsend, especially in the first 6-8 weeks when Vets were not working. At the beginning of the Virus we were suddenly hit with not being able to get the animals food from our usual suppliers as people started panic buying their horse feed so we had to buy from other suppliers that didn’t offer us the same ‘good price’ as our Supplier does so we had to pay through the nose for feed. Our Hay Merchant very kindly allowed us to stack our barn full of hay and straw just in case someone in their family was taken ill and then they could not deliver to us. It was all an unknown quantity and none of us knew what to expect. Our two main concerns were (1) Could we get sufficient food and hay in to feed the animals and (2) If we had a proper lockdown where we couldn’t leave our homes what would we do about the animals so a small group of us had agreed that were that to happen we would stay at the Sanctuary and sleep in the offices but at least we were here to care for and look after the animals.
PETS AT HOME & SUPPORT ADOPTION FOR PETS – We were delighted to receive a grant of £5000 which was paid direct to our Veterinary Surgeon towards our ever-growing Vets bills. This was such a help and so very much appreciated.
PET PLAN FUND – We were able to receive a £2,500 donation from this Fund towards the cost of keeping the animals fed and cared for and we are very grateful to them for their support at this difficult time.
All very helpful when you consider each week, we pay £1000 each to our Vets, Feed company, hay merchant. £3000 a month on regular medications that the animals need. Then there are staff wages, HMRC costs, insurances, utilities, repairs to the buildings and premises, rent, waste costs to name but a few of the outgoings.
50/100 CLUB – Why not join one of these clubs? For £24 a year you enter into a draw that is drawn three times a year and pays out at each draw. £12 of the money donated goes direct to Remus and the other goes into a fund with the other 49/99 people and then three times a year there are three draws and the money gets split between the winning numbers. A great way to help the Sanctuary and to win a ‘bit extra’ for yourself. Email us for further information.
We’re Still Here
Amidst this Coronavirus outbreak, we wanted to let you know we are doing all we can to care for the rescue animals as normal. But it’s not easy.
YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW THE SANCTUARY IS AFFECTED BY THE OUTBREAK HERE.
If you are able to support us, whether it be with a one-off donation or perhaps by setting up a monthly repeat direct debit, you really could make a vital difference. If you are a UK taxpayer, don’t forget to tick the Gift Aid box when prompted, which means we can claim an extra 25p for every £1 you donate, at no cost to you.
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If you’re unable to make a donation at this time we totally understand, and are so grateful for your support. If you are able to make a donation – thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Introducing a new, speedy way to donate on JustGiving
We’re excited to share that JustGiving is the first fundraising platform in the UK to launch an exciting, new payment method enabled by open banking that will make it even easier for people to donate to us here at Remus Horse Sanctuary.
This message is perfect timing in one regard as we lost one of our field shelters over the weekend to Storm Ciara – will you help us raise the necessary funds to replace it? You can find out more and see pictures of the damage on our Facebook page at: facebook.com/RemusHorseSanctuary.
Anyway, the new payment method is called Pay with Bank transfer and just like the name suggests, it enables donations to be made on JustGiving via a bank transfer. There’s no set up required, it’s very simple and speedy to use, and with the payment handled entirely by the donor’s bank, it’s super secure.
Pay with Bank transfer is powered by American Express but open to everyone, so any of you with a UK bank account will be able to give to us and our appeals on JustGiving in just a few clicks – all without card details to hand.
How does it work?
All a donor will need to do is click on the ‘Bank transfer’ button on the donation page of JustGiving and select their UK bank. They’ll then be automatically redirected to the bank’s webpage or app, where they will authenticate using their normal method and approve the pre-filled transfer details. That’s it. Check out the video on YouTube to see it in action: https://youtu.be/Bn8OzlPOlHU.
What are the benefits of donating with Bank transfer?
Pay with Bank transfer allows people to make donations on the go, even when they don’t have their card to hand. It also shows them their account balance before they approve the donation, and means they’ll benefit from bank-grade security, as the payment will be handled entirely by their bank.
You can view and please donate to our Winter Feed Appeal on JustGiving here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/WinterFeedAppeal2020.
Remus Reminds People to Donate Two Coffees to Help Rescue Horses on Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday is just around the corner and this year Remus Horse Sanctuary is asking their members and supporters to donate the cost of a couple of cups of coffee to help rescue more abandoned horses this year.
Giving Tuesday is a day when people and organisations from all over the world come together to support the causes and communities that mean so much to us all. Remus are asking you to help us reach ourr goal on Tuesday 3 December and really make a difference for the animals we rescue and care for by donating just £5 a month – the equivalent of just two cups of coffee!
Remus Horse Sanctuary provides rescue and rehabilitation to abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys that are victims of physical and mental abuse, be it as a result of ignorance or malicious intent. The work at the Sanctuary is often very similar to a hospice situation, giving these animals, most of which are survivors of the most horrendous cruelty at the hands of mankind, the very best of care, allowing the younger ones to develop into happy adults, or for the older ones to rest and recuperate.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary says: “The aim of #givingtuesday is to get people thinking about others this Christmas and doing little things that can make a big difference.
“It could be donating money or volunteering but, if we all do something small this #givingtuesday, it will make a real difference not only to the hundreds of abandoned horses in this area but for Remus too.
“We’re asking people to use the hashtag #givingtuesdaypledgeRemus to help promote our cause and to donate the equivalent cost of a couple of cups of coffee.”
To find out how to set up a monthly donation, visit www.remussanctuary.org/donate or call Sue Burton directly on tel: 01277 356191.
Remus Urges People to Donate the Cost of Two Coffees to Rescue Horses
Remus Horse Sanctuary joins #GivingTuesday 2019, the global day of generosity on 3rd December.
Remus Horse Sanctuary is thrilled to announce that we’re one of the thousands of organisations taking part in this year’s #GivingTuesday campaign, to be held on Tuesday 3 December – and all we’re asking is for people to donate the equivalent cost of a couple of coffees each month.
The campaign began in America in 2012, as a way to give back after the well-known shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It was brought to the UK in 2014 by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) with the key aim of encouraging people to think of others in the run-up to Christmas. There are numerous ways to get involved through donating to charity, volunteering or simply helping a friend, neighbour or family member.
Remus Horse Sanctuary provides rescue and rehabilitation to abandoned horses, ponies and donkeys that are victims of physical and mental abuse, be it as a result of ignorance or malicious intent. Our work at the Sanctuary is often very similar to a hospice situation, giving these animals, most of which are survivors of the most horrendous cruelty at the hands of mankind, the very best of care, allowing the younger ones to develop into happy adults, or for the older ones to rest and recuperate.
#GivingTuesday was the top trending item on UK Twitter last year, with the hashtag reaching people more than 600 million times. In the UK, more than £7.8 million was raised in online donations alone on the day itself.
Sue Burton, Founder of Remus Horse Sanctuary says: “The aim of #givingtuesday is to get people thinking about others this Christmas and doing little things that can make a big difference. It could be donating money or volunteering but, if we all do something small this #givingtuesday, it would make a real difference not only to the hundreds of abandoned horses in this area but Remus too.
“We’re asking people to use the hashtag #givingtuesdaypledgeRemus to help promote our cause.”
Gráinne Mathews, Giving Tuesday UK Campaign Lead, adds: “Giving Tuesday is a chance for us all, no matter where we live or what we do, to help out a cause close to our hearts. This year we’re also encouraging everyone to make a #GivingTuesdayPledge and think of ways to have an impact year-round, in addition to on the day itself.
“That could mean giving a small monthly donation to a charity, or setting aside a couple of hours each month for volunteering. Together, all of these pledges will combine to make a world of difference to so many lives.”
Ms Burton concluded: “We’re asking people to donate just £5 a month to Remus – that’s equivalent to the cost of just two cups of coffee, but it would make a huge difference to us and allow us to rescue more abandoned horses.”
To find out how to set up a monthly donation, visit the charity’s website at: www.remussanctuary.org/donate or call Sue Burton directly on tel: 01277 356191.
Will you help us?
There’re so many ways you can help us, all that we ask is you choose one!
Please consider making a donation towards our winter feed costs. Our work is very hard and costly – it takes time and effort to set up a rescue – and we see some awful cases that break our hearts. Most we can save, others sadly die, but at least at the end they were loved and cared for. The financial aspect doesn’t stop just by rescuing and bringing the animals into our care as then our costs really start to escalate as we try to rectify the mess previously made of these poor creatures.
Donating the cost of just 2 coffees to us each month would have a huge impact…
Sadly we have hit a time where donations have gone down and have stayed down since the recession some years back, but our costs continue to rise. Can you help us to help these poor creatures – all innocent victims of man’s inhumanity? Thousands of horses are caught up in the horse welfare crisis and suffer daily. We want to be able to help these horses and give them a chance but we can only do this with your help:
- Can you make a donation to help us to continue this critical work, rescuing and rehabilitating sick, abused and neglected animals?
- Can you organise an event to help raise money for us?
- Do you run a business which could help with a charity raffle or bake sale?
- Are you part of a group or a club that could help raise awareness of our plight?
- If all our friends on Facebook could set up a standing order for just £5 a month it would make a huge difference and it’s only the cost of two coffees!
- Do you have good quality bric-a-brac or unwanted gifts or unwanted stock that we can sell to raise funds?
There are so many ways that you could help us and therefore help these beautiful noble creatures who suffer so badly at the hands of humanity.
Please get in touch via telephone, email or Facebook – we’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Tel: 01277 356191
Email: info@remussanctuary.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RemusHorseSanctuary
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