CAS NEWS

Cas are in the process of revamping their Shop/Office in Calle Ferran, Nerja. As a result we are seeking more volunteer staff to run the shop which will open daily from 10.00am til 2.00pm. This will be on a rota basis and we are hoping to have 2 staff on duty daily. If you would be interested in helping and would be prepared to give a couple of hours of your time each week please contact Diana Carter on 952523985 or Richard on 952037095 to discuss. Full training will be given.


CAS IN CASH CRISIS
As the Costa Animal Society enters its 25th year, it finds itself, like many other animal charities, under severe financial pressure due to the general economic downturn. Over the last five years, CAS has spent over 125,000 euros on veterinary fees for treating the animals in its care, plus over 220,000 euros in kennel fees.

The charity receives no government grants and no one within CAS is paid; all volunteer their time and expertise. The only source of income is fund-raising events and donations.

In 2010, CAS found itself with increasing debt and, as a result, has sold its charity shop and office, and taken a lease back on the premises. This has cleared the majority of the debt but it means that, regrettably, fewer animals can be taken into care, other than those which can be placed with fosterer families, to reduce kennel fees.

CAS will also have to limit the number of animals treated at the vets, except in emergencies, and the organisation can no longer automatically pay for vaccinations and spaying. Instead, it will be asking for substantial donations towards these costs. It is hoped these measures will last for only a limited period and that the financial situation will improve during 2011.

CAS’s website, www.casnerja.org, contains details of over 200 dogs and cats looking for new owners and CAS continues to re-home between 40 and 50 animals every month. Unfortunately, the number being abandoned does not reduce.

CAS fundraisers are working as hard as ever in an effort to raise money and the group is expanding its presence at local markets in an endeavour to increase our income. However, help from the general public is needed, either by assisting with fundraising or by making donations. Every cent helps.

If you can help in any way please contact CAS President Wendy Thorne or Treasurer Richard Thorne on 95 203 7095, or make a donation at our office or direct to our bank to help CAS help the animals through these difficult times. CAS account details can be found on the website. www.casnerja.org Thank you.


MONEY SITUATION

Not improving. We would like people to volunteer to foster some of our dogs that are in kennels and thereby reduce our costs.
We are inundated with puppies. Anyone prepared to help please contact Wendy on 952037095.

Last month with the help of the Dutch and German charities we homed over 60 dogs with a good percentage of these also being homed in Spain.

Sue Anderson is doing a good job recruiting people to hold more markets for us in the campo villages. Marjorie and Colin are now at the Almunecar every Sunday which is very profitable. Nerja continues to be the jewel in the market crown. Without Sheila and Ruth who sort the donated goods every week and organise the helpers every Sunday it would be very difficult. We still need more helpers who are prepared to get up early on Sunday mornings. Also someone to tow the trailer on a rota basis.
If you can help in any way please contact Wendy on 952037095