**Trustees Annual Report** 2020 - 2021 Little Paws Ferret Rescue # **Trustees' Report** 2020 - 2021 Little Paws Ferret Rescue No: Charity 1182331 **2** **3** ## **Table of Contents** **1** WELCOME FROM RESCUE MANAGER - OUR COVID 19 JOURNEY **4** **5** **6** REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS 2020 2021 / SUMMARY TRUSTEES AND VOLUNTEERS FINANCIAL REPORTS FUTURE PLANS **7** ## **WELCOME** Our second year as a Charity in 2020 was such a challenging year. Working through a pandemic meant that we had to work around lockdowns and restrictions, vets were extremely stretched, volunteers were unable to help with care of the ferrets in rescue and travelling for rescues was difficult. However our team rose to the challenge in spectacular and we . style fought through 2020 saw 189 ferrets through the doors. 130 of those were surrendered ferrets. Many of this surrenders were kits and a number of those were with Swimmers years large suffering Disease. Heartbreakingly we were required to euthanise many kits that were just too ill to survive their condition. Despite the terrible burdons and the extreme challenges we have faced this year, we have developed many processes and procedures to help us to operate effectively. The support that we have received from ferret owners and the public has been extrodinary and have become volunteers and friends of the rescue. many supporters lifelong We thank all for and love . you your support throughout Michelle Brunton Rescue Manager ## **Our Covid-19 Journey** ## A Y E A R O F C O V I D ## I M P A C T In March 2020 the world stopped! Covid 19 swept the country and Boris put us all in to lockdown. It seemed that the streets were and the nation was terrified. apocolyptic Amidst all of this the NHS Heros, Care workers and services continued to do their emergency best to and so did we. help There were wonderful from the many sights doorstep celebrations to heroic efforts but the with it some pandemic brought very unexpected events too. Pet ownership increased as people craved for company and distraction from the events outside of their doors. The price of animals shot to record levels and animal theft increased . exponentially However in the ferret world we faced crisis of huge magnitude. Many ferret owners had time on their hands, hunting was not possible so there was a lack of free food for the ferrets, vets were to and struggling cope prices increased for jill jab. Many owners decided to breed. As breeding increased and free whole prey was scarce, many people decided to feed cheap dog food and cat food. This led to many animals becoming nutritionally deficient. Kits became sick and animals started to be dumped in vast numbers as there were more ferrets that there was interest in kits. buying The rescue became full to bursting point by the start of 2021 and has remained this since. way Despite the stress and anxiety of the Covid-19 Pandemic we are still here and determined to continue to rescue ferrets. We will continue to build and and we will survive! grow As a result of Covid we have not been able to undertake our fundraising activities. We were not allowed in store with our Pets at Home partner store Byker and they were left to fundraise alone in store. did a They fantastic job and managed to raise £500 over the Santa Paws event with a further £2000 donated for Valentines 2021. Day We were unable to operate any ferret shows or events which are essential to the rescue funds. Vet costs increased due to the amount of ferrets and treatment for requiring xrays Swimmers Disease. The number of volunteers fostering ferrets increased as we to find for struggled space the ferrets the doors. many coming through Adoptions ceased throughout the lockdowns meaning less adoption income for the charity and less space for new ferrets coming in. This also meant that ferrets spent more time in rescue. On a positive note we have had an amount of and we extrodinary support continue to be amazed by the kindness and of our rescue . strength family ## **OUR AIMS & ACHIEVEMENTS THIS YEAR** ## Charity Aims We aim to rescue abandoned, lost and unwanted ferrets in the North East UK. We will rehabilitate and care for these ferrets until they are able to be rehomed. The rescue will carry out activities to find new homes for the ferrets in rescue and provide backup for the lifetime of the ferret. support Little Paws Ferret Rescue is run by volunteers. We rely on the support of our members, volunteers and generosity of members of the public. We also have benefitted from a greatly grant provided by the Pets at Home Foundation to help with neutering and bills. feeding Every pound that is donated or raised through fundraising, goes straight to animals in need. helping We are passionate about providing advice and information to the public about caring for ferrets and the importance of neutering. We will continue to provide educational opportunities to broaden the knowledge of ferrets as a species and the benefits of ferrets. owning ## Ferrets In and Out During the financial year March 2020 to March 2021 Little Paws Ferret Rescue took in 189 ferrets. Around 70% of ferrets entering rescue during the pandemic were surrendered by their owners (an increase of 30% on last year) the remaining 30% were found as strays. The number of strays was less than the previous year as owners were at home more to care for them. We rehomed 167 ferrets during 2020/2021 which is an number the amazng considering restrictions. pandemic ## Volunteer Development The rescue have had a successful very year for volunteer recruitment. With the endless hours of free time created by the Covid pandemic and many people isolated and bored, many were looking for something to them the time. help pass We welcomed them with arms and the open Manager, Michelle, developed training courses to the volunteers with a help equip good knowledge base. The rescue used Pets at Home VIP vouchers to secure hutches for volunteers to increase and a new fostering volunteer application form has been developed to gather and record volunteer details. ## **2020/2021 Summary** Despite the pandemic we were able to organise and attend a fantastic camping trip that happened to fall between lockdowns. This was a blessed relief and respite from the woes of the and was all. pandemic enjoyed by The rescue website has seen a lot of development over the year and many features have been added to make it more for visitors. appealing The rescue facilities have also undergone many changes with a new building being completed just weeks before the first lockdown. This houses up to 25 ferrets and provides a safe where ferrets can free run and extra stimulation. play space get ## **TRUSTEES AND VOLUNTEERS** |N A M E|A P P O I N T E D O N|R O L E| |---|---|---| |Michelle Brunton|24th May 2018|Chair| |Rachel Thomas|24th May 2018|Trustee| |Emma Moan|24th May 2018|Trustee| |Tracey Mowatt|27th November 2018|Trustee| |Lisa Thompson-Gillett|29th February 2020|Trustee| |Reuben Gillett|29th February 2020|Trustee| ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## Reserves Policy The trustees' policy is to retain 3 months' worth of normal running costs in order to meet commitments and to cover . any unexpected expenditure ## Financial Review Income for the period amount to £27,610 with expenditure of £19,741. Profitability - Gross profits £10636 (38.5%) and net profits are £7869 (28.5%). Assets - The charity does not hold any fixed assets. Current assets include a balance in the bank of £7654, Paypal Balance (including the main Paypal and Paypal Giving accounts) £2641 and a petty cash balance of £3807. Liabilities - Trade debtors of £30 and Trade Creditors £1133. ## Future Developments The Trustees will continue to develop their calendar of events and will look at ways to create income from these events such as stall ideas, photo competitions, seasonal stalls, etc... They will develop more branded goods and merchandise in the future and look to supply goods such as food, oil, harnesses, bedding etc... We will continue to develop our partnership with Pets at Home Byker as this is a good way to reach our audience and receive donations and from the store. target grants ## Trustee Statement The Trustees consider the Charity to be a going concern and it is assumed that the Charity will continue for the foreseeable future. ## 31% ## Sales Breakdown Grants and Vouchers 28% Donations and GiftAid **----- Start of picture text -----**
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Rehoming Fees 12% Sale of Merchandise and Donated Goods 7% Shows, Events and Stalls (including in store events) Sales for the financial 1st March 2020 to 31st year March 2021 reached £27610. 31% of all sales income was received from and grants vouchers supplied by Support Adoption for Pets program run by Pets at Home. We applied for grants to help with neutering and vet fees, feed bills and the roof on our outdoor ferret enclosure. replacing The scheme also provided a grant of £2000 for valentines . Day 28% of the Charity income came from donations and Giftaid. This is made up of: £2630 direct donations, donation buckets and cash donations; £4067 from Facebook donate; £407 Paypal Giving and £79 from . Easy Fundraising 22% of the overall income for the charity came from fees. Fees are at £45 for a rehoming charged single ferret or £40 ferret if at the per adopting multiple same time. The total income from was rehoming £5931. Show takings, stalls and events raised £2019, 7% of the overall income for the Charity. This included in store Pets at Home events and . microchipping We raised £3371 from the sale of merchandise, including food, ferret oil, harnesses, hammocks, donated equipment, Christmas cards, hoodies, etc... 87% Direct Charitable Expenses ## £17,218 Direct Expenses Breakdown 18% 0.6% 0.4% Food, Bedding, Blankets, Food, Bedding, Blankets, Oil, Treats, Meat, Suppliments, Special Dietary Food £3116 Other Direct Expenses Volunteer Expenses £69 £47 7% Merchandise £1158 10% 61% Vets General Vets Neutering Treatment £10505 £1738 3% Microchips £566 ## 13% 13% £2523 Overheads Breakdown Overheads 73% 24% £1843 £601 and Renewals General Repairs Expenses including the new including bad debt for building, tools, hutches, an unpaid rehome fee, etc... domain name renewal and . postage 2% 1% £57 £23 Show and Event costs Paypal Fees and General Expenses ## **FUTURE PLANS** ## - Covid 19 Covid 19 Crisis Like most UK animal charities, we expect to be negatively affected by the covid 19 crisis. As a we are reliant on charity completely donations from the and our public major concern is that of our sources of many income could potentially dry up overnight – fundraising events, rehoming and our main ferret shows could be or postponed cancelled. We aim to find creative ways to reach our customer base and provide a social community of ferret lovers who can support each other remotely through the crisis. looming We will also for the fall prepare potential out caused the as we by pandemic expect there will be many animals surrendered, abandoned and in need of help both and the Covid 19 crisis. during following We aim to support owners in financial difficulties to ensure the welfare of their ferrets. ## Our Plans for 2020/2021 The board of trustees will meet to review our strategy, activity and identify the best course of action for the future to ensure that we meet the needs of our stakeholders, animals in our care and our in a sustainable . community way We aim to new develop fundraising opportunities which conform to current social rules. distancing We plan to continue our partnership with Pets at Home, Support Adoption For Pets and apply for any available to us continue our grants help work to rescue and rehome ferrets. We will further our educational library of information through our website and social media platforms to increase awareness of issues such as vaccinating against Canine Distemper, good ferret diets, neutering, etc... We plan to build our support and volunteer network to allow us to more help ferrets in need. Despite the difficulties that we may face in the coming months, Little Paws Ferret Rescue will continue its rescue activities to the best of our . Where we ability possible will remain open for rehomings and to support the ferret owners community. We will endeavour to respond to calls for help with stray and abandoned ferrets in the North East UK. We will provide a source of information, research and guidance for new ferret owners and we will promote adoption over . private buying We will continue to rehome the ferrets that come into our care efficiently and ensure a high level of welfare throughout their time with Little Paws Ferret Rescue. ## **Acknowledgements** We would like to the dedication of our acknowledge volunteering team who have kept the wheels turning through the Covid-19 pandemic. They have gone above and to save ferrets a beyond during very difficult time. Our Trustees who have the rescue supported manager and to the . helped develop charity Our foster carers, who have helped with the endless line of incoming ferret kits. They have been instrumental in and new kits some manners. rescuing teaching Our volunteers who help to transport ferrets to the vets for vaccinations, who search for hours for the missing frightened and abandoned pets, who share, like and comment on social media . posts Our partner store, Pets at Home Byker. Part of the Support Adoption For Pets Scheme, who have really the . helped financially throughout pandemic A big thank you to everyone who has supported us through the Pets At Home VIP Scheme. We receive vouchers to in store which with costs. spend really helps Our Vets and Vet nurses at Premier Vets for their dedication and hard work, especially our vet Kerida Shook who has so much of her time to the ferrets. given Our donors who contribute month and regularly every for the one off donors, every penny helps us to rescue ferrets. Our rehomers who give rescued ferrets a second chance at . happiness Thank you to every supporter, donor and friend that have been a real to us over the . support past year Without your support and care we would often find it very difficult to continue. Thank you all for helping us to make this a success. year Thank all for continued ! you your Support Little Paws Ferret Rescue www.littlepawsferretrescue.co.uk @ .com littlepawsferretrescue gmail Llttle Paws Ferret Rescue CIO Profft and Loss Roport Ul AO. a)20. 81 A¢ord¥, Sale# 4000- Sale5. Merthandise 1,706.55 4001- Sales- Hoodle¥ 100.00 4a03- Sales . Microchippir 48.50 4004 . Sales- Ferel Oil 714.00 4007- Saley- Show TaWrsgs (class entri8s, 81c...I 502.46 4010- InGome. Fqahomin9 Fees 5,931.00 4'Jl I In-c-.. '44lJ.49 4013- Income. Diréct Donalions for TreaDments 380.09 4014- Income- Facebook Donatlons 4,067.00 401S- Income- Paypal Don8Jon$ 406.62 4017- Incorne- Stalls and Events 331.lyj 4Q48_ Sncome . r-ts at kl4•rnC Far E'"-.?w} 4020. I￿￿Me. E8sy Fundra￿ng 78.72 4021 . Chgritab￿ Grants 8.000.00 4022- Vouth8rs (Grant ir lfjlldl 431.40 4023. Gift Ald 054.34 nn Total Sales £27,009.70 Dlrect Expen$*8 s￿o- Cost of Sgle5- Merchandise 1,157.72 3,11468 5021 . Cost of Sal88- Bedding, LIT￿. Eto.. 18.85 17 M¥ >)22 1&.03 PJ9¢1d2 5030- Cosl of S81es- Vet Bills Ispay Neuter) 10,505.12 5031 - Gost of Sa￿S- VeL% BAL8 (general treatrnentsl 1.737.98 5033- Ctsst of Sales- Microthipsxng 566.08 L)81 oe&les. V￿￿ka￿teF ￿.￿614&e 47.25 5060- Other Direcl Expen5e5 69.00 Tol•l Dlrert Ex￿￿eS £17.217.71 GROSS PROFIT I LOSS £10,391.99 Overheads 5080- Show an¢J Evenl Direol Exp8rnse$ 1.29 soe2- Show alld Eveni Direct Eynse5- R(*elte$ and Trophi 55.29 7510- Po$lage and c9￿13ge 37.91 7540- Wobsil8 Fees 12.45 Idvu- i