Deeside: New pet foodbank had a 'very busy' first day

Earlier this month, the Leader reported that the P.E.T (Pets Eat Today) foodbank had been set up with the aim of supporting pet owners as they battle through the cost of living crisis.

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, from the foodbank's base at an outbuilding behind the White Bear pub in Mancot.

Mel, who is from Hawarden, says the first day of helping the community on Tuesday (August 23), was 'brilliant'.

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The intensive care sister was spurred on to introduce it to Deeside after adopting her very own labrador, Ronnie, just last year.

Talking about the opening day, Mel said: "It was brilliant, we were very busy as we expected. We are in quite a small building at the moment so need to make a few tweaks but it all went really well.

"We had good numbers, some came just to show their faces and support and others came wanting to collect things.

"I do expect more people to come along as we go on, especially as we've got a sign up outside now and more people are starting to hear about us."

PIC: The sign outside the White Bear pub in Mancot signalling the new foodbank which is based around the back.

Mel was joined by two trusty sidekicks on opening day for P.E.T. too - her daughter Willlow, 9, and close friend Linzi Davies.

Mel added: "Linzi has been my partner in this from the start. She understands how charities work and has been brilliant with the admin side of things too.

"My daughter has also been really involved, even making up little bags of treats with her very own labels on them. I think it's good for her to see how important something like this can be.

"We've been absolutely inundated with offers of help and I can't thank people enough. Especially Dale and Hayley (Selvester, who run the White Bear), for allowing us to use the building. I am so grateful for all the support.

PIC: Mel Oldfield (right) with Linzi Davies on the opening day of the P.E.T. Foodbank in Deeside.

PIC: And with nine-year-old daughter Willow who was also involved!

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

The foodbank will now be open twice a week between 1-2pm on both Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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