THE ‘DELIGHTED’ co-founder of a dog rescue charity based in Rugby has been announced as a Coronation Champion by the Royal Voluntary Service.
Anita Twigger was given the honour for her voluntary role as Head of Operations for Pawprints Dog Rescue and as a co-founder of the organisation.
She was among 500 winners selected from 5,000 nominations across the UK.
The Coronation Champion Awards celebrate extraordinary volunteers across the country who have made significant contributions to their local communities.
Anita said: “I am delighted that, through my award, a whole team of unsung heroes are being recognised for their dedication over the years that has lead us to be able to save thousands of dogs who have gone on to have happy and settled lives.
“It’s a privilege and an honour to be named as a Coronation Champion and be given the chance to represent the animal welfare sector.”
The panel of judges for the awards was made up of a range of senior third sector leaders and chaired by the Queen Consort, who sifted through the nominations to select the final 500.
Dog rescue charities across the UK are under immense pressure, with record numbers of dogs needing rescue spaces because of the boom in ‘lockdown puppies’ which are now being abandoned – creating a ‘crisis’ in the animal welfare sector.
Pawprints Dog Rescue is entirely reliant on donations and fund-raising to help meet its annual costs, which include £25,000 a year on vet bills alone. The charity has recently opened a new shop in Rugby Central Shopping Centre to help raise funds, and is welcoming donations and new volunteers.
Visit www.pawprintsdogrescue.org or email [email protected] for more information.
