Dunsdale’s Maxi’s Mates Rescue faces surging energy costs and frozen pipes amid a cold snap, urging donations to keep dogs warm
Maxi’s Mates Rescue Faces Rising Energy Costs
Maxi’s Mates Rescue & Rehoming Centre, located in Dunsdale, east Cleveland, reports that the ongoing cold weather has led to increased energy costs. Staff are keeping heating and heat lamps running continuously.
Challenges in Keeping Dogs Warm
Jane Galliford, 60, the trustee and founder from Middlesbrough, stated that the charity is working hard to keep the dogs warm both overnight and during the day. She noted, “It’s absolutely freezing up at the kennels. Some of the taps haven’t been working because the pipes were frozen, and even a couple of the bowls were iced over.”
She added, “We’re having to leave the heating, radiators and heat lamps on all night and into the next day because it’s just too cold.” Despite being the cheapest option, the heat lamps still lead to high costs when used all the time.
Rising Electricity Bills
The charity estimates that electricity bills averaged around £1,300 per month last winter but could reach three times that amount this year. A recent bill totaled £5,000, with current monthly costs between £3,000 and £4,000.
Jane mentioned, “Our biggest outgoing is the electricity. Fuel costs have gone up threefold since our contract changed. Even when prices come down later this year in March, it will still be around £20,000 annually.”
Winter Appeal and Donations
The rescue has launched a winter appeal to raise funds and has raised nearly £2,000 so far. Jane expressed gratitude, saying, “The support has been amazing. People have been donating, and it gives us a bit more security during a really difficult time.”
Needed Donations
The charity is also seeking donations of blankets, sheets, and bedding to help keep the dogs warm. Volunteers are collecting items across the region at donation points. The needed items include:
| Needed Items |
|---|
| Clean Duvets (Not Feathered) |
| Clean Blankets |
| Clean Bed Sheets |
| Clean Towels |
| Wet Food (Butchers, Chappie & Forthglade) |
| Dry Food (Grain Free) |
| Dog Treats |
| Dog Toys |
| Other items for dogs |
Items Not Accepted
Items the rescue cannot accept include:
- Pillows, Cushions & Mattresses
- Any Feathered Items (fire hazard)
To donate, contact Maxi’s Mates directly via Facebook or visit their website for more details.
