Tommy Stevenson: Simon Wallace - Borders Pet rescue
Thu, Nov 17th 2016 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Weekly meeting with guest speaker
There was nearly a full attendance of
members at last week's meeting of the Rotary Club with President Jim Walker in
the chair. The speaker was Simon Wallace, Fund Raising Manager of the
Borders Pet Rescue who gave an excellent illustrated talk on the
organisation. They rescue dogs and cats in the Borders before trying to
have them re-housed and can have about 50 animals in their care 24/7 for all
year and therefore need to employ highly skilled animal welfare staff at the
centre at Earlston. Most of the animals arrive in a poor state of health
requiring veterinary care to aid their recovery which results in enormous vet's
bills. The cost of feeding them is also high as well as providing dietary
needs and this runs into many thousands of pounds. This money has to be
found by benevolent donations from animal lovers and sponsored events.
Animals can be rescued for various reasons because of the owner's illness,
infirmity or a major change in circumstances like couples splitting-up and he
reminded of the slogan "a dog is for life and not just Xmas". They are
also branching out to accept rabbits and exotic animals which can be very
expensive. They have opened charity shops in the Borders, including one in
Hawick High Street, which have been very successful and next year plan to launch
a Major Capital Appeal. Several questions were generated after which Tommy
Stevenson gave the club's vote of thanks for an enlightening
evening.
A special occasion was held in honour of
Past President and Paul Harris Fellow Jock Thorburn (photo), who celebrated his 90th
birthday on Saturday 19th. A decorated cake with candles was provided by
Past President Mairhi Trickett and Jock thanked the club and then gave an
excellent reply and favoured the company with a word-perfect rendition of the
famous George Burns song "I wish I was 18 again". Jock's son Dr George
Thorburn attended the meeting as a guest with him.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
A summary of Hawick Rotary's work with the community during 2020, despite the problems of Coronavirus and Lockdowns
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Hawick Rotary Club has been able to obtain funding for the restoration of the village's Polysport facility after it was inundated by floodwater
moreSome info on the entertaining activities we get up to!
moreThis Committee focuses on international aid and projects
moreOur Vocational & Community Committee concentrates on supporting local community groups and on youth activities, often in collaboration with Hawick High School and with Primary Schools in the town.
moreEnquiries regarding membership are always welcomed and should be e-mailed to secretary@hawickrotary.com
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