As a small business it is incredibly hard to support the monster of madness that Black Friday has become. What was once a day is now, in most cases, a week and, in many cases, a month-long event! This hurts small businesses who don’t have huge margins like many big brands do, preferring, as we do, to instead price products more fairly throughout the year.
So, we have come up with an alternative approach, which we’re naming 'GIVE BACK FRIDAY'. A chance for you to help us to increase the donation we make this month to Winston's Wheels charity, by giving a percentage of profit on our weekend sales to help fund the fantastic and important work they do.
For those who don’t know what Winston’s Wheels charity is then be prepared to be amazed and, for those who do, enjoy an update on the work they have done to date.
About Winston’s Wheels:
Set up by Sudbury based Rachel Cansell following the diagnosis of a debilitating tumour on the spine of her beloved dog Winston in May 2017, Winston’s Wheels charity helps people and their dogs-in-need by supplying custom-made wheelchairs and strollers to keep dogs mobile and able to socialise. Each set of wheels stays with the dog for as long as is required before being returned so that it can be sent out to the next dog on the list.
Sadly, Rachel lost Winston in June 2020 but continues to fundraise in his name, holding regular raffle draws, selling calendars and exhibiting at dog shows to raise money and gain awareness, so that his legacy lives on. Losing the use of his hind legs never held him back and it is Rachel’s wish to keep all dogs mobile on wheels (or at least able to socialise in strollers).
We met Rachel at our very first dog show where she was walking around the grounds with Percy, an energy-filled 25-week-old frenchie pup born with a twisted spine and no back leg movement, and Winnie, her staffie who had no front leg ability at all. Having recently faced the emotional challenge of rehabilitating our Guru Pet Vesper after she suddenly, and without warning, temporarily lost the use of her hind legs, seeing both of Rachel’s pets happily zooming around with their custom-made wheels touched our hearts. (You can read more about Vesper’s journey on our previous blog)
At the time, Rachel had 300 wheelchairs and strollers out in the field helping dogs, cats and even the occasional sheep in need. This has now increased to over 700 wheelchairs and strollers and they have helped over 1000 animals to date (60 new ones in October alone!).
In January 2024 Rachel was awarded a British Citizen Award for her tireless work and commitment to her charity. We think it was incredibly well deserved.
We have caught up with Rachel many times over the years – and it is always such a pleasure to see her and her small, but incredibly dedicated, team of volunteers with all of their lovely furry friends. Each pet may have mobility challenges but they live and love life to the maximum thanks to Rachel and the team.
What you can do to help:
- Follow the charity on social media, enjoy seeing all the antics of the animals they’re helping and whilst you’re at it spread the word on whatever channels you’re on.
- Take part in their monthly Facebook raffles where you’re not just helping raise money but also get the chance to win some truly great products gifted by pet care companies around the country. [Our first donation of products helped fund a new wheelchair, so it really does help!]
- Go to their WEBSITE and give a one off donation, or set up a monthly direct debit. There is no amount too small!
- Buy their annual calendar in support and enjoy 12 months of highlights of the great bunch of furry friends who they have helped (past and present). They have other cute merch too in their online SHOP.
- Finally, please just keep buying your natural pet care products from us. Since day one we have given a monthly donation – and this GIVE BACK FRIDAY that will be boosted by a further percentage of our profit.
Let’s see if we can buy another set of wheels to add to the fleet…