Animal sanctuary launches corporate partnership and team building packages

Ferne Animal Sanctuary, the Somerset animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming charity, has launched a host of new packages giving local businesses and its employees the option to become individual or corporate members.

The tiered annual sponsorship packages are available in three options.

The benefits vary depending on the package and can include annual shared membership for team members, discounts from 5% to 20% off team building and volunteer days, 10% to 50% off conference room bookings.

Kevan Hodges, chief executive at Ferne Animal Sanctuary, said: “We are very thankful for the generosity of the local business community who contribute a huge amount to support us at Ferne. We firmly believe that corporate relationships should be a partnership which is why it feels right to introduce a benefit programme and give back to them where we can.”

The new team building days offer workshops and nature-based activities, with an emphasis on mental health and strengthening the camaraderie among team members.

The conference room is available year-round for annual meetings, away days, training sessions, as well as private bookings.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary’s collaborative partnership with M & J Bowers allowed businesses and individuals to dispose of confidential waste with fees generated during October being donated to the charity.

Andrew Bowers, managing director and transport manager for M & J Bowerssays;, said: “Being a local family run business, we wanted to support a local charity and, as we all love animals here at M & J Bowers, we couldn’t think of a more worthy charity than Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

“We raised a total of £1,095, thanks to our fantastic customers who all loved the fact that the charge they paid was being donated to the sanctuary. Most added additional money into the collection bucket supplied by Ferne, raising an additional £110.76.”

Meanwhile, Kuehne + Nagel’s Matthew Atkins said: “A small group of Kuehne + Nagel volunteers had the pleasure of visiting Ferne Animal Sanctuary where we were warmly welcomed with an in-depth tour of the site and the opportunity to see the many animals Ferne takes such great care of.

“We were then tasked with clearing out the Tortoise Enclosure to refresh it for autumn and mucking out one of the barns ahead of the colder months. Our day in the fresh air was whole-heartedly enjoyed by the team who thoroughly enjoyed their volunteer day. It was an absolute pleasure to volunteer at an organisation like Ferne, who keep the care of animals at the heart of everything they do. We would recommend a volunteering opportunity at Ferne to anyone.”

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a non-government funded charity that has provided refuge and rehabilitation to its animals for more than 80 years. Located in the Blackdown Hills near Chard, Ferne Animal Sanctuary houses and cares for more than 300 animals on its 72-acre site.