Gift aid can help thousands more animals

The Blue Cross, Britain’s pet charity, could gain an extra £1.4m to help thousands more needy animals, if more supporters simply ticked the gift aid box on donation and sponsorship forms.

In the lead up to National Giving Week next week, the charity is inviting anyone who is unsure about their eligibility to gift aid their donations to call the Blue Cross supporter helpline on 01993 822651. The Blue Cross believe that many supporters think they are not eligible to gift aid their donations because they are living on a pension or are not currently in employment, but this is not necessarily the case.

Julie Jeffes, head of direct marketing said: “ It won’t cost supporters a single penny, and yet if all our donors ticked the gift aid box, we would receive a staggering £1.4m, which   could pay for the care of approximately 28,000 animals during their stay at The Blue Cross.”

Thanks to the gift aid scheme, charities can reclaim 28 per cent of the tax paid by UK taxpayers on every £1 donated at no extra cost to them. Gift aid can even be claimed on past donations meaning that The Blue Cross can reclaim tax paid by supporters on donations since April 2000.

Notes to editors
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

National Giving Week runs from 17th - 23rd October 2005 with the aim of encouraging more support and commitment to charities and making giving more tax-efficient.

Media contact:  Sam Cordwell
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