Ferne Animal Sanctuary, located near Chard in Somerset, has successfully raised nearly £10,000 to lease an industrial washing machine and dryer for the next two years. This new addition will ensure that the sanctuary can efficiently keep bedding, towels, and other essential fabrics clean while caring for their many rescued animals, including dogs, cats, and a variety of other species.
The sanctuary typically handles around 50 loads of laundry each week due to the high number of animals on-site, many of whom arrive with health issues. Previously, the charity relied on donated domestic washing machines to handle the heavy laundry load, but these machines were not built to withstand such frequent use. As a result, they often broke down after just a few months, leaving staff scrambling to replace them and sometimes operating without a functioning washer for extended periods.
Nikki Haddock, a representative of the sanctuary, emphasized how crucial reliable laundry facilities are for the animals’ well-being. “We take in animals that need somewhere to be, and one of the biggest things we face is poorly tummies,” she explained. Many of the animals suffer from gut infections, parasites, and other medical conditions, making it essential to maintain high hygiene standards.
The newly leased industrial washing machine has an 18kg capacity, which will allow staff to wash larger loads more efficiently. Unlike previous machines, it is equipped with a monitoring system that detects potential mechanical issues early and alerts engineers for maintenance before a breakdown occurs. This feature ensures that the sanctuary will not be left without a working washing machine when they need it most.
Thanks to the overwhelming support of donors, the fundraiser has surpassed its original goal, covering the cost of leasing both the industrial washing machine and dryer for two full years. With the funds secured, the sanctuary plans to have the machines ordered and installed as soon as possible.
Although it may not have been the most exciting fundraiser, the sanctuary considers this achievement to be a game-changer. “It’s not the most exciting fundraiser, but it is really important for us,” Haddock said. The new equipment will provide a much-needed solution to an ongoing issue, allowing the sanctuary to focus on providing care and comfort to the animals that need it most.