The RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch is one of ten charities shortlisted for a £16,000 cash giveaway. 

The Worcester News is giving local charities the chance to take a share of an amazing £128k cash giveaway.

Our parent company’s charitable arm, The Gannett Foundation, is providing £128k in cash to support local charities across the country and we are delighted to have a £16k share to give away in our area. 

One of the charities that you nominated was the local RSPCA, whose staff are "delighted" to have made the shortlist. 

A spokesperson for the charity said: "All trustees, volunteers and staff at RSPCA Worcester & Mid-Worcestershire Branch are delighted that we have made the shortlist of charities and should like to thank Worcestershire residents who nominated us. 

"It is lovely to be recognised for the work we do within the local community."

The branch is a separate charity and self-financing branch of the RSPCA run by volunteers who raise funds in the local area for all of its animal welfare work. 

They provide rehoming services to the local community for those who can no longer keep their pets as well as helping people who are looking to adopt a rescued animal.

READ MORE: Five cheap and quirky cafes in Worcester

The branch rehomes 350 - 400 animals each year with these numbers consistently increasing. 

Some of the reasons that the branch accepts pets from the local community include: house eviction, unable to afford and pay vets bills, marriage breakdown, moving to accommodation where pets are not allowed, an owner going into care or who has died. 

A spokesperson added: "Our branch opened its own rescue & rehoming centre in October 2016 at The Holdings, a 5-acre site on the outskirts of Worcester. 

"We have been extending the centre as and when fundraising allows. 

"Work has now started on a much-needed kennel block with 20 dog kennels and mum/puppy unit. 

"Any donation from the Cash for Charities pot would be so beneficial in providing toys and enrichment for all the dogs, while in our new kennel block and agility equipment for our secure play area.    

READ MORE: Ofsted praises Little Blossoms nursery as outstanding

"And, if we were lucky enough to get a bigger slice of the donation, we would get new bedding, collars, leads and harnesses for all the dogs in our new 20 space kennel block and fit out the mum/puppy unit."

To vote, tokens can be taken from the Worcester News and placed into boxes at:

  • Tesco St Peters 
  • St Peters Garden Centre
  • Pets at Home in Worcester

The tokens will also be accepted at local RSPCA charity shops.