Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 30th December 2021
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Donations flood in for Winter Bag Appeal
Appeal volunteers distribute the bags to homeless people living on the streets of Edinburgh.
Volunteer-led scheme helps homeless people and their pets in Edinburgh. 

A scheme to support homeless people and their pets in Edinburgh has enjoyed a record-breaking number of donations this year.

The Dick Vet Winter Bag Appeal, organised by veterinary volunteers at the University of Edinburgh, invites campus staff and students to fill bags with warm clothes and necessities such as toiletries and blankets.

Now in its sixth year, the annual event was started by former Dick Vet student Dr Jaime-Leigh Thompson and is now run by a small group of veterinary students.

The donated bags are collected by Appeal volunteers, who work with Edinburgh-based charities Bethany Christian Trust, Steps to Hope SCIO and CrossReach Cunningham House, and distributed to the homeless and vulnerable people in the city. 

Originality focussed on Christmas, the scheme has extended into the New Year to ensure those sleeping on the streets continue to receive support during the coldest months of the year. 

Fifth-year student Zoe Powell-Davies, who is one of the Appeal volunteers, commented: “Being exposed to how cold Edinburgh is in the winter, I couldn’t imagine how I could cope without food, shelter and warm clothing.

“The weather can be bitter and ruthless to those on the streets and, having helped distribute bags in previous years, I have seen first-hand how much these donations are appreciated by those who receive them.”

Volunteers say they have had a 'phenomenal' response to the 2021 campaign and have managed to fill a total of 125 bags. The team hopes to continue to collect donations early next semester and are inviting students to bring back any unwanted items/Christmas gifts to campus. 

The scheme also accepts dog-related donations such as food, treats, toys, blankets, coats and reflective collars. These bags are distributed by All4Paws, a student-run veterinary clinic that provides free care for pets of homeless people.

For more information about the appeal and details on how to donate, visit ed.ac.uk/vet/news-events/2021-news/festivebagappeal

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."