The Vision
The Vision
SWEEPERS is the community vision of local Wearside people who aim to raise
sufficient funds in order to establish an animal rescue facility in Sunderland
and the Wearside region in general. Our goal is raise £15O, OOO in order
to set up the animal rescue facility. The original idea grew from the tribute
to Cath West's border terrier Sweep who died on December 6th 1996, hence the
name SWEEPERS.
"I launched SWEEPERS in December 1997. with help of my partner, my mum, and a family friend who all loved Sweep. The trustees who have joined our organisation read about our quests for a local animal rescue facility. Due to their love for animals and knowledge they have contributed immensely to our prayer and vision, and now part of Sweep 's family. For example, Gillian orrell brings to SWEEPERS several years of fundraising experience with the World wide Fund for Nature since 1979.
"Cath West - Co - founder, SWEEPERS.
"My involvement in SWEEPERS includes attending regular meetings and helping
fund raising events. I am involved in re- homing and do some home checks for
the Washington area. As a Trustee I have a major say with what goes on! I
have my own transport to be actively involved in the local area. I have a
boxer dog and my pets in the past include a siamese cat and a hamster.
"Michelle Ross - Volunteer and Co - founder, SWEEPERS
"I support I0O% - Cathy West's dream of an animal rescue centre in Sunderland which is badly needed. As I an? now retired, I aim to throw as much energy in raising funds, supporting Sweeper events and would love to work at the rescue centre when the dream is achieved "Joyce Forster - Volunteer and Co - founder, SWEEPERS
What are our objectives and mission?
Objective I : Our aim is to develop an animal rescue facility in Tyne &
Wear;
Objective 2 : As we are reliant on public donations and support we aim to set up SWEEPERS as a registered charity;
Objective 3 : We aim to support and run the cat rescue center facility in Washington.
Objective 4 : We aim to set up a dog rescue facility in Sunderland by the year 2OO2;
Objective 5 : We aim to raise the profile of Sweepers;
Objective 6 : We aim to educate people and promote the love of animals and the benefit of SWEEPERS as effectively as much as possible;
Objective 7 : Enhance the quality of life of the local people.
Why an animal rescue?
Our mission is to relieve the unnecessary suffering and distress of animals in the Wearside area, through education and the establishment of an animal rescue facility.
From our 12 years experience in fundraising for animal welfare organisations in the area, we know that the facilities for housing unwanted and abandoned dogs is very poor. Presently, stray dogs in Sunderland which are handed to the police are kept at the Newcastle Cat and Dog shelter. If they handed in to the Dog warden, they go to the West Hall Boarding kennels at South Tyneside.
On top of this it appeared that young people, especially those living around the vicinity of Southwick Village Farm, had the perception of vandalising the facilities that cared for animals - fact that is well documented in the local press. Because of our love of animals, we wanted to change this. Through education and the establishment of an animal rescue facility within Sunderland, we are confident that SWEEPERS will make a difference in the lives of young and old.
Is there a need for an animal rescue facility such as SWEEPERS or are we duplicating things?
We have collected undertaken both primary and secondary research in order to gauge the indicator of demand for SWEEPERS. We collected data from dog and cat magazines on animal welfare.
There are 4 registered Charities in the Tyneside area:
North East animals at Risli- Spaying vouchers and road accidents; Cats Protection league. RSPCA - No facilities for dogs Cat Concern.
Unregistered organisations
There are to two major animal rescue organisations in South Shields and in South Tyneside.
St Francis animal rescue for cats and dogs - South Shields; Willows cat rescue - South Tyneside.
SWEEPERS will make a difference by providing a third option for people.The dogs will not be put to sleep in order to make room for another and there will be no risk of choosing an unhealthy dog because we will have a quarantine area ensuring no chance of disease being passed on. We aim to work closely with the established agencies; maintain existing membership and develop our own unique way of educating the public about animal welfare. We aim to do this by holding talks at Schools, clubs, etc. We will raise our funds through our fund raising events; membership subscription; sponsorship; merchandising; adoptions; grants and trusts donations.
For example, one of the schemes we have started is the cat registration scheme for the elderly. Working closet,with the elderly and infirm people in the area, we will register cats for a £2O fee. They receive a guarantee that their pet will be re-homed, in the event of death or if they need to go into a home, thus giving them a peace of mind. Sweepers also have a sponsored cage scheme costing £10 per year for which people can choose a cage and get a regular updates of the residents (the cats that is)!
