DROITWICH Spa shoppers showed their generosity recently by dipping into their pockets to support a local fundraising initiative by ‘Jordan Bear Charity’ at Morrisons.

Founded in 2006 by Droitwich resident Sue Boone, the charity raises funds for the rescue, care and re-homing of abandoned and abused greyhounds and lurchers and, to date, has raised more than £72,000 and saved hundreds of lives.

Based at Wychbold, Sue and her helpers accept peoples’ unwanted household goods, which are then sold on at weekly boot sales and other functions, and the money raised, along with donations received, is distributed amongst four designated rescue kennels in England and Scotland.

Sue and her team, all volunteers, take no expenses or administration costs out of the funds raised, ensuring every penny is channelled toward saving even more lives.

Sue said: ”We couldn’t have done this without the willingness of Morrisons to accept us onto their premises and we cannot thank them enough for their understanding and support. I’ve done events at the Bromsgrove store in the past but am overwhelmed at the response we’ve had today from Droitwich people.

“There are upward of 30,000 greyhounds and lurchers, at any one time, needing rescue, care and loving homes. Those that we are able to save are the lucky ones - most will be shot or abandoned to fend for themselves.

“Every £5 we raise pays for just one day in rescue and many of the dogs have been so badly treated and traumatised that they need a lot of care before they can be considered for re-homing. Our work never stops and we are so grateful to those kind people who support us.”

Accompanying Sue at Morrisons was her own rescue greyhound Charity, who was found, starving and abandoned in Swindon in 2011 with severe anxiety problems.

“She has grown into a really loving, loyal girl,” said Sue. “She takes great delight in coming out to ‘assist’ at fundraising events and meeting the public. She is a wonderful example of the joy these lovely, gentle dogs can bring into someone’s life.”

For more details about Jordan Bear Charity, or to donate, call Sue on 01527 869395 or email jordanbearcharity@gmail.com.