KAR Closes its Doors.

[KAR]

KAR CLOSES IT'S DOORS

KAR has been established as a registered TRNC Charity, as many of you know, for over 20 years and during that time we have suffered highs and lows. We are the ONLY Animal Charity here that has over 300 animals being cared for in a privately funded purpose built rescue centre - funded by donations from members of the public and our supporters only. During recent times the lows have been great culminating in the devastating distemper outbreak of 2018. Slowly we have, with the fantastic support of communities and individuals near and far, recovered from that awful outbreak.
We had hoped (and had been looking forward to) 2019 would be a "high" time for KAR - leaving all of the sadness, worry and devastation behind as far as possible. However as 2018 came to a close - we were beginning to doubt our hopes for 2019.

We were beset with major works needed (due to the age of our centre and its buildings plus the ages of our vehicles etc) that were so very expensive. We were hit (along with much of the TRNC) by heavy storms which left us trying to move dogs to safety, trying to rebuild and repair kennels, secure and re concrete compounds which not only were water logged but were also covered in ground holes, our centre office roof needed urgent repairs as the water came through - it all was expense that we HAD to pay out but could not really afford - but it had to be done for the safety and protection of the 300 plus animals within the centre.

We are now into the 4th month of 2019 and it is fair to say KAR finances have not improved - they have in fact deteriorated.

A 2nd round of storms meant more damage - more repairs = more money.
The vehicles that we have are old and needing more and more work and repairs to keep them on the road = more money.
Medicines, vet treatments, cat and dog food - all have increased in costs = more money
Electric tariffs, fuel and water costs (our centre is not on mains water and has to have several XL tankers delivered weekly - do you realise how much water is needed just to keep 300+ animals living areas clean and to provide fresh drinking water!) have all gone up = more money.
Wages have increased in line with government policy = more money.
These are just some of the demands on our finances that have increased.

To add to our worries ;
There are more individuals and organisations in the TRNC trying to raise money for their causes - all from the same donation pot = this has resulted in a loss of income for KAR.
There are fewer volunteers which means our Charity shops cannot stay open every day = a loss of income for KAR.
Donations for the KAR Cat Neutering programme have declined = a loss of income for the KAR clinic/programme.
We have fewer volunteers to organise fundraising events = a loss of income.

But we do have more of ‘somethings’ - cats and dogs being dumped - despite pleas for the proper process to be applied , cats being neutered by our community program and subsequently more clinic costs, more staff needed to deal with the strict quarantine regime and animal care needed at the centre, more requests for help from outside our area, more cats and dogs in the centre because of low homing numbers.

We have now reached the point where we are having to take action in order to maintain the standards of care that our cats and dogs need and deserve, action needed to keep the books balanced, action to avoid closing completely the Charity shops, action to stop the very successful KAR Cat Neutering programme finishing. Action to stop KAR folding.

In order for us to continue for the foreseeable future :
Our Rescue Centre is FULL - FULL COMPLETLY. We will NOT be taking in any animals until a space is freed up (by homing or loss) - we cannot pay for any more staff, we cannot provide more kennels or cattery places, we cannot take any more animals IN.
Our charity shops - we will try and keep them open as much as we can as they were a great generator of income for us - but there will be times when they will need to be closed - we do not have enough volunteers to help out in them and to keep them open.
Our neutering clinic (and the cat community neutering service) will reduce to only 2 days per week - we are not receiving enough donations to cover the costs of the clinic or the service.

We hope that these precautions will help to keep us going but they will only keep us going for the foreseeable future .
We do have many longstanding (and some newer) supporters and volunteers without whose help we would not have been able to carry on for as long as we have – their support is now crucial to help us keep going with these precautions in place . Our cats and dogs, and all at KAR, owe a massive Thank you to those supporters and volunteer who have helped us so far and who we know will continue to help if they can - sadly it still may not be enough.

This is not a “scaremongering” appeal – it is a reality . We are having to make cut backs in order to “survive” but without additional FUNDS, DONATIONS and VOLUNTEERS, who knows what the future will be for KAR or IF there will be a future for KAR.

[snd1966]

I read this with a heavy heart, I remember all those years ago my parents Dick and Suzanne excitedly informed me they were helping a small group of people, Margaret and co to set up an organisation to help the dogs and cats in the North.

KAR was born and it is due to all those who have dedicated their time and money they have unfortunately built such a monster.

Thank you for all the help in assisting keeping the cat population down in Catalkoy behind the post office area

[ardstrawray]

Do you have a paypal a/c to which contributions could be made

[ifonly]

On the KAR website is details of how/where to donate - including Paypal.
http://www.kartrnc.org

Please if anyone can volunteer in their Charity shops it would be a great help - everytime they have to close them because they do not have enough volunteers is money being lost for them.
Please offer to help even if it is only 1 morning/afternoon a week - 0533 8694098.

[ardstrawray]

Pity there is not more interest in such a worthy cause.

[sophie]

Sadly people expect KAR to come running and solve problems with street dogs an cats, but are loathe to give of their time to help in any way whatsoever. I've heard people discussing Vets costs these days, so multiply that by 300+ dogs, 60 cats and dozens of pups. If only the Government and respective Belediye would do what they should do and EVERYONE neuter and spay their animals also refrain from buying shop animals and give a rescued animal a home. the problem would probably be halved. The message above from KAR is not an idle threat. Its reality BIG TIME!!

[tomsteel]

Sadly people expect KAR to come running and solve problems with street dogs an cats, but are loathe to give of their time to help in any way whatsoever. I've heard people discussing Vets costs these days, so multiply that by 300+ dogs, 60 cats and dozens of pups. If only the Government and respective Belediye would do what they should do and EVERYONE neuter and spay their animals also refrain from buying shop animals and give a rescued animal a home. the problem would probably be halved. The message above from KAR is not an idle threat. Its reality BIG TIME!!

As an avid animal lover, with two KAR dogs for over ten years, I share the concerns. However, there are just so many (arguably too many) charities to support here for many causes, be they human (cancer, special needs, cemetery, RBL etc or animal (KAR, H4Pets etc) and with shrinking resources, increasing fuel costs to travel, higher vet bills, increased prescriptions costs et al, charities will suffer (charity support fatigue syndrome). Seeking central governmental or belidye solutions can only be covered/met via taxing people even more money. I do not think there is an appetite to go down that route, especially so as the currency exchange rate is so volatile and there are, other, higher priorities. Stopping animal purchase from shops is a central government decision via law and refusal to licence such premises. Castration of animals is an emotive subject and even more so if breeding is planned by owners. Sadly, I do not have an answer to the problem. However, I can say after 45 years of UK government service, including living in numerous Meditteranean and far eastern countries, the TRNC is not alone with this problem.

[sophie]

I take your point tomsteel particularly the fact the cake is only so big, with more and more charities (except a large proportion are not charities i.e. registered) and I does worry me that they have no published accounts nor AGM's to show where the money goes. The other main point being that KAR is not the RSPCA, or PDSA or Dogs Trust, but so many people assume it is. And of course I won my bet with myself when "someone" tried to dump a beautiful dog at the Centre after KAR had made their announcement on as many media outlets as they could. How selfish is that?

[kerry 6138]

On the KAR website is details of how/where to donate - including Paypal.
http://www.kartrnc.org

Please if anyone can volunteer in their Charity shops it would be a great help - everytime they have to close them because they do not have enough volunteers is money being lost for them.
Please offer to help even if it is only 1 morning/afternoon a week - 0533 8694098.

Perhaps its time they looked at the bigger picture and ask why is there an issue retaining volunteers in the shops ?

[tomsteel]

I take your point tomsteel particularly the fact the cake is only so big, with more and more charities (except a large proportion are not charities i.e. registered) and I does worry me that they have no published accounts nor AGM's to show where the money goes. The other main point being that KAR is not the RSPCA, or PDSA or Dogs Trust, but so many people assume it is. And of course I won my bet with myself when "someone" tried to dump a beautiful dog at the Centre after KAR had made their announcement on as many media outlets as they could. How selfish is that?

sophie, please list these 'non-registered' charities, I can then avoid them if they do not meet my personal wishes as to whom I will benefit. Of course, I still have personal UK-based charities to support (Help for Heroes, BLESMA, RBL etc). As to selfish acts - people do what they consider best, want to or ignore notifications - that's a simple fact of life, sadly! "It ain't easy."

[sophie]

Have pm'd you.

[tomsteel]

Have pm'd you.

sophie, not yet received.

[Cally]

Sophie, I give to many people including KAR, the individuals I give to may not be registered, but I can see on a daily basis what they do to help dogs & cats. I know these people & trust them implicitly, I would never dream of asking for a receipt of any kind. It is up to individuals who they support with their money.

[Bridgett]

My husband and I would be happy to work at Gladrags two mornings a week if that would help? Call on 0533 883 8166.

[KAR]

Thank you 'Bridgett', we have passed your telphone number onto our shop manager this morning. She will be in touch as soon as possible.

Again, thank you for your support.

[DieHard]

Well said Kerry, know of a couple of volunteers who twice tried to help, they made appointments to work and both times were not expected because no one had passed their details on, sad.

[Lovelife]

Kerry 6138
I and several other ladies have volunteered for over 5 years, there are other volunteers who have been there a lot longer. You ask why there is a problem with regaining volunteers. Some people volunteer and after doing the role for a short while decide it's not for them, which is understandable, some volunteers decide they wish to 'retire' due to age or health. We have swallows who generously give their time when they are here, and of course when they leave it leaves us short. We have to close the shops because the volunteer that day may be on holiday, have other committed and there is no one available to take that shift on. Why do you think we have a problem keeping volunteers? I'm sure most of the charities and good causes can have a similar problem.

[kerry 6138]

Kerry 6138
I and several other ladies have volunteered for over 5 years, there are other volunteers who have been there a lot longer. You ask why there is a problem with regaining volunteers. Some people volunteer and after doing the role for a short while decide it's not for them, which is understandable, some volunteers decide they wish to 'retire' due to age or health. We have swallows who generously give their time when they are here, and of course when they leave it leaves us short. We have to close the shops because the volunteer that day may be on holiday, have other committed and there is no one available to take that shift on. Why do you think we have a problem keeping volunteers? I'm sure most of the charities and good causes can have a similar problem.

All of the above, and in my experience the more you did the less you were appreciated .
If you've worked in the shops in town for 5 years you'll be aware of the working conditions eg. toilet facilities, lack of aircon , no running water, cleaning facilities etc. but if you worked in glad rags this wont be your experience.

[Lovelife]

Kerry 6138
I and several other ladies have volunteered for over 5 years, there are other volunteers who have been there a lot longer. You ask why there is a problem with regaining volunteers. Some people volunteer and after doing the role for a short while decide it's not for them, which is understandable, some volunteers decide they wish to 'retire' due to age or health. We have swallows who generously give their time when they are here, and of course when they leave it leaves us short. We have to close the shops because the volunteer that day may be on holiday, have other committed and there is no one available to take that shift on. Why do you think we have a problem keeping volunteers? I'm sure most of the charities and good causes can have a similar problem.

All of the above, and in my experience the more you did the less you were appreciated .
If you've worked in the shops in town for 5 years you'll be aware of the working conditions eg. toilet facilities, lack of aircon , no running water, cleaning facilities etc. but if you worked in glad rags this wont be your experience.

Kerry6138, Thanks for your reply. No I've never worked in the Girne shops, am I presuming this was the old shop and not the newer one that you worked in? it can be a little 'warm' in the heat of summer, without air con. But for me personally, my enjoyment doing it outweighs any problems be they environmental or human!

[kerry 6138]

Afraid not Lovelife worked in all three current shops actually.