How can I give away my Energy Bill Support Scheme money?

Spoonie_Turtle

[Deleted User] said:

This may be a daft or naive question, but are there pet food banks? Or charities that support people struggling to afford to keep their pets? Not something I'd thought of before but it would be unbearable for most pet owners to have to find it a new home because they couldn't afford food, vets bills or whatever. A bit like taking you own child to the orphanage - absolutely horrible. I don't know why but I never really thought of this before.

There's a member on this board who mentions pet food banks (to consider donating to them) in their signature, so evidently they are a thing.  I'd never thought of it before seeing their signature either.

ariarnia

Spoonie_Turtle said:

[Deleted User] said:

This may be a daft or naive question, but are there pet food banks? Or charities that support people struggling to afford to keep their pets? Not something I'd thought of before but it would be unbearable for most pet owners to have to find it a new home because they couldn't afford food, vets bills or whatever. A bit like taking you own child to the orphanage - absolutely horrible. I don't know why but I never really thought of this before.

There's a member on this board who mentions pet food banks (to consider donating to them) in their signature, so evidently they are a thing.  I'd never thought of it before seeing their signature either.

hello

i always feel bad about animals and children. i know there are a lot of adults that need help as well but animals and children are dependent on us and have no control or power over their situations.  

if you don't want to donate to a food bank then facebook is a good place to check. there will be someone feeding feral cat colonies or an animal shelter where people have surrendered their pets because of sickness or costs. or maybe a local charity shop that supports a local rescue or adoption centre.

if our pets suddenly decide theres a flavour of food they dont like any more theres a charity who will gladly accept any type of food or cat litter going spare. they give it out to people fostering animals. nothing is wasted

Ms_Chocaholic

casjen said:

There are thousands  of charities around  with loads you could just walk in and give it... Im sure you know this but feel the need for some "forum" approval for your grand gesture (ego).....

He/she is an anonymous poster on this forum.

MovingForwards

Duplicate thread
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6396903/where-can-i-give-away-my-energy-bill-support-scheme-money#latest

Do what you want with the money, there's enough places screaming out for help.

in_my_wellies

[DELETED BY FORUM TEAM]

No, I think they were asking for ideas.

Several suggestions have been made which could be useful and get people thinking. 

I personally always give to small and/or local charities and through gift aid so the money goes a little further 

Kat78MFW

Someone on here previously suggested https://thefelixproject.org/ I decided to set up a regular donation to gradually divert our energy support payments to this scheme. I was really glad to support them as not only do they provide food for those that are hungry but also work to reduce food waste so it's a win-win. 

EssexHebridean

I think a lot of human foodbanks will happily accept donations of pet food as well, although I'm open to correction on that. at least one of our local supermarkets has a bin in store for petfood donations which has been placed by a local shelter, too. 

I suspect the negative reaction to the thread from some quarters has a lot to do with the virtue signalling posts so often seen on social media these days where clearly people are only carrying out kind acts, or making donations etc in order to "shout about it". Unforturtunately it is a phenomenon that seems to have gained traction over the last few years, and many people feel negatively about posts like the OP as a result. 

dawnriser

Thanks for your suggestions. My local Foodbank isn't taking donations for help with energy bills so I have decided to give a monthly donation to Christians Against Poverty. With Gift Aid CAP will receive more than the government gave me in the first place. A little win for those in poverty I think.