A SOMERSET based animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming charity has launched a winter welfare donation drive to help with surging costs during the coldest months of the year.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary, located in the Blackdown Hills, has launched its Winter Welfare campaign as part of the national Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025 which will run until December 9.

The annual Big Give Christmas Challenge has become a significant source of income to the charity, through the match funding campaign which runs every year from Giving Tuesday December 2 for seven days.

For the second year, The Reed Foundation has stepped forward with a pledge of £2,000, which when combined with other pledges, means the sanctuary now has £6,000 waiting to be unlocked.

To access these matched funds, Ferne must raise another £6,000 in just one week, between 12 pm on Tuesday, December 2, and 12 pm on Tuesday, December 9.

All donations must be made online through the Winter Welfare campaign page on the Big Give platform.

Emma Purnell, chief executive officer at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: "The Big Give challenge has become a lifeline for us at Ferne, offering crucial support during the coldest months of the year when our operating costs are at the highest point in the year.

“We are thrilled to have £4,000 pledged by our wonderful supporters and an additional £2,000 from the Reed Foundation, but now the challenge is clear - in just one week, we must raise £6,000 online to unlock the full £12,000 target. Every single donation made during this week will have double the impact, meaning every gift goes twice as far.

“Winter is always a tough season at Ferne, with hundreds of animals needing food, warmth, and care. The funds raised through our Winter Welfare campaign will provide veterinary treatment, heating, bedding, and nourishment – the essentials that truly change lives. For our resident animals, this support means a second chance at happiness and a safe place to call home.”

Ferne Animal Sanctuary, which provides a safe home for more than 300 animals at any given time, is bracing itself for the added difficulties that winter inevitably brings.

The animal charity operate seven retail shops throughout Somerset, with one located on the high street in Wellington.

With the help of its community, the sanctuary hopes to transform £6,000 in pledges into £12,000 total support.

This funding will be transformational, ensuring care for animals in need during the harshest months of the year.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a non-government funded charity that has provided refuge and rehabilitation to its animals for more than 85 years.

The charity was founded by the late Nina Douglas-Hamilton, Duchess of Hamilton & Brandon, at the beginning of the Second World War, with the aim to provide a temporary refuge for the animals belonging to service men and women.

To support the campaign for vulnerable animals at Ferne Animal Sanctuary this Christmas, visit: donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS000006P2JKYA0