SALE-based Society for Abandoned Animals has been selected by supermarket, Sainsbury’s, to be its charity of the year.

The company's Sale supermarket has teamed up with its sister store, Sainsbury’s Local, on Washway Road, to raise £7,000 in total by the end of their year.

Nicola O’Brien, fundraiser at the charity, said: "It’s fantastic that we have been chosen by two Sainsbury's stores and we’re so grateful to everyone who voted for us.

"With the shops being so close to our animal rescue centre, we can really connect with local people. It’s not every day that someone has the chance to see the direct impact that their kind donations are having.

“We are hoping that this partnership will increase awareness of the importance of responsible ownership, as well as help us to find local adopters for our animals longing for their forever homes, including kittens Pippa and Monty.”

The two kittens arrived at the Sanctuary in early June at just three weeks old after being dumped in a bag with their mum in an alley.

After spending much of their lives in foster homes, the kittens have now been successfully re-homed and are so far enjoying their new playground.

Dave Howarth, manager of Sainbury’s Sale branch, added: “The Society for Abandoned Animals is a fantastic cause and one that we’re only too pleased to be getting involved with.

"All of the staff are really looking forward to getting involved and helping the adorable animals.”

The animal shelter was the public’s choice from three charities. The store asked its customers to vote in-store or online, and after a successful campaign on social media, Society for Abandoned Animals won by a landslide.

Nicola added: “We have already put together an exciting list of activities to raise funds and awareness through our Sainsbury's partnership, which includes a bike race, an ‘adopt-a-rabbit’ weekend and lots of collections and bag packing in store. We really hope customers will get involved in all the fun.

“We’re really excited about the upcoming year and can’t wait for all the wonderful results the partnership will bring to our animals.”

Upcoming events hosted by Society for Abandoned Animals include:

• August 23, 12pm-4pm: Cat Appreciation Day – a chance to meet the cats and learn about how to become a fosterer with SAA. Cat micro chipping and care advice will also be available.

• September 6, 12pm-4pm: Rabbit Care Day - bring your bunny along for a health check with vaccinations and micro chipping with a guest vet on site.

If you would like to donate to the Society for Abandoned Animals or find out more about the upcoming events, contact 0161 973 5318 or visit Mosley Acre Farm, Stretford, Manchester M32 9UP. To find out more, visit www.saarescue.co.uk.

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