Easter Bush Campus Donates for the Homeless

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The initiative was set up last year by recently graduated Dr Jaime-Leigh Thompson, and has been continued this year by students Marie Gallagher and Katie Ross.

Rucksacks were donated by Royal Canin and were filled by volunteers with much needed items, including warm clothing, toiletries, blankets, stationary, food items and a Christmas card. The donated aid bags will be distributed to soup kitchens across Edinburgh as well as being provided directly to homeless people on the streets.

Four legged friends were also helped, with donations of reflective jackets, leads, toys, dental chews, food and blankets, which will be given out at the monthly student run free clinic, All4Paws, which provides free care and advice for homeless and vulnerable people’s pets.

Last year the appeal collected an amazing 62 bags. This year, however, bag numbers have surpassed this, with a grand total of 78 bags being donated to the appeal. This initiative has been so successful for the past two years that plans are to continue it on an annual basis.  

Marie Gallagher, one of the student organisers said:

"This really is a great cause and Katie and I are so incredibly honoured to be able to run it this year. The outstanding success and support from the vet school and all its friends has been fantastic. It's so heart-warming to know that we're helping someone this Christmas. Even 10 bags collected is 10 people we’ve helped, so we are hugely appreciative of everyone who got involved."

Katie Ross, another of one of this year’s student organisers continued:

"Jamie-Leigh Thompson had such huge success with this appeal last year that Marie and I couldn’t possibly turn down the opportunity to organise it this Christmas. The involvement from everyone at The Dick Vet and The Roslin Institute has been incredible, and it has been so rewarding to see so many people band together to contribute to such an important cause.”

Links

All4Paws