'Real need' for Deeside pet foodbank, says founder

Last week, the Leader reported on the newly-formed P.E.T. (Pets Eat Today) Foodbank in Deeside which is aiming to help ease the financial pressures of caring for a pet.

Post-pandemic, there has been an increase in the number of people who are having to give up their beloved pets as they can no longer afford to look after them.

But, foodbank founder Mel Oldfield is aiming to prevent those situations from unfolding.

She says that, since news of the foodbank has spread on social media, the support shown for it has been 'on another level'.

Read more: Deeside: Concerns for dog running around area

Mel - who is an intensive care sister by day - said: "We have had loads of donations already and it's spread quite far - I had a woman contact me from London. Everyone is just wanting to help in any way they can. It's overwhelming really."

Currently based out of an outhouse behind the White Bear pub in Mancot, the P.E.T foodbank is set to officially launch on Tuesday, August 23.

Mel, who is from Hawarden, was further spurred on to introduce it to Deeside after adopting her very own labrador, Ronnie, just last year.

Collection points - where cash and item donations can be made - have already been set up for the foodbank at the White Bear itself, as well as at the Hawarden Post Office and the Beauty Box Salon in Shotton.

PIC: White Bear, Mancot, where the P.E.T. Foodbank will be based when it launches later this month.

Ahead of the opening on August 23, Mel has been using her own house for further storage.

She said: "I'm waste deep in donations which are all in my dining room, but that's a good thing.

"I've been out to meet six or seven people so far who cannot wait until the foodbank opens. I have supplied them with enough to get them by until then.

"People are just doing what they can to get by. There is a real need for this in our community."

Thanking the White Bear for allowing them to use their outuilding, Mel added: "We couldn't have done it without Dale (Selvester) and the team, they have been a massive help to us. It's a real team effort."

Dale Selvester, White Bear landlord said: "The Covid-19 pandemic hit and closed our family business. Myself and my wife Hayley recognised the impact lockdown and furlough were having on residents and spent time within the community to help and support those who needed assistance during the difficult perio.

"We have been delivering hundreds of care packages and furniture to the vulnerable, transporting and funding food to Flintshire Foodbanks and also providing free hot meals from our Public House.  Our children were keen to be involved and learned several key skills as volunteers.

"Now with the cost-of-living crisis families are still struggling financially and it seems its only going to get worse. The pet foodbank is another fantastic initiative to ensure pets are looked after and to help reduce the pressure on animal rescue centres where owners have no other option but to give up their pets.

"We are very pleased to have the Pet Foodbank based at our premises The White Bear. Its great to see Mel’s idea become a reality and we are thankful for all her hard work in setting this up. It wont be long until the community benefit from her dedication.

"As a County Councillor for the Queensferry and Sealand Ward and Hayley (Dale's wife) being a Community Council for Hawarden and Mancot we are working hard to ensure our communities are well supported in these difficult times."

A bank account accepting cash donations has now been set up for P.E.T. foodbank (details on Facebook page) and Mel is also busy recruiting people who can act as individual collectors for their local area.

After August 23, the foodbank will be open twice a week between 1-2pm on both Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Mel said: "It's a work in progress but we are confident that we are on the right track with it all."

To contact Mel and the foodbank team, you can visit their Facebook page 'P.E.T. Foodbank Deeside or through petfoodbankdeeside@gmail.com or 07944101264.