Millbry Hill is a business that cares for animals and people alike – it’s engrained in the company’s beliefs.

Animal welfare is a particular passion of the company’s staff and is always at the forefront of their thinking.

Early this year, along with the rest of the world, the team at Millbry Hill watched in horror as the war in Ukraine took hold and the ongoing violence caused people and their pets to flee their homes and become separated from their families.

As events unfolded, they felt they had to do something to help.

Buying Manager Grace Robinson moved quickly to set up emergency donation collection points at the five stores and the head office address.

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Appeals for donations were sent out and Millbry Hill began working with local charities and councils in order to ensure that each donation reached the Ukrainian communities in urgent need.

They found the kindness, support and generosity of the local communities truly overwhelming.

Millbry Hill staff and customers donated, sorted, packed and transported more than 70 pallets of items destined to help those whose lives have been torn apart in Ukraine.

The Northern Echo: More than 70 pallets of donations were sorted and packed before being transported in horse boxes to charities that made sure they got to the people in Ukraine who needed them mostMore than 70 pallets of donations were sorted and packed before being transported in horse boxes to charities that made sure they got to the people in Ukraine who needed them most

Its sister companies proved an invaluable support to the appeal too, with C&C Horse Transport providing wagons and drivers to transport the donations and AR Wholesale offering much-needed storage space.

Neighbouring company Mandale Homes also provided a storage unit when it became clear that even more space was required.

Over the past three months Millbry Hill has continued to raise money by way of online basket donations and in-store collection tins for the British Red Cross and the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charitable Foundation. The total raised currently stands at over £3,000.

The Northern Echo: More than 70 pallets of donations were sorted and packed before being transported in horse boxes to charities that made sure they got to the people in Ukraine who needed them mostMore than 70 pallets of donations were sorted and packed before being transported in horse boxes to charities that made sure they got to the people in Ukraine who needed them most

This isn’t the first time that Millbry Hill has offered its support to those in need.

Over the past three years the company has supported other charities including Sara Animal Rescue, Maxi’s Mates Rescue Centre, RSPCA Felledge Animal & Equine Centre and Lincs Dobermann Rescue.

But they still wanted to do more, so after hearing about the plight of a local charity based in Richmond, they contacted Animal Friends Of Turkey, which rehomes abused and abandoned dogs from the streets of Turkey.

Between May and June, Millbry Hill raised £1,500 for the charity, including money raised by several members of staff who took part in a sponsored dog walk. The largest of many contributions to this fundraiser came from Venture Properties, jockey Ross Chapman and the Jones family.

The Northern Echo: A sponsored dog walk attracted lots of people – and their best friends – who wanted to help raise money for Animal Friends of TurkeyA sponsored dog walk attracted lots of people – and their best friends – who wanted to help raise money for Animal Friends of Turkey

Continuing with the good work for Animal Friends Of Turkey, the Millbry Hill Richmond store is planning a dog show on Sunday, August 7, with all proceeds being passed on to the charity.

A range of classes, prizes and competitions is on offer in what promises to be a fun-filled day out.

Millbry Hill is also thrilled that a member of the team has been able to give one of the charity’s dogs a loving new home. You’re sure to see a lot of Ronnie over the coming months on Millbry Hill’s social media where you can keep up with his progress.

“As a non-profit charity whose funds have dropped to a frightening low, every penny is gratefully received,” says Animal Friends of Turkey founder Carol Holbrook. “We are blown away by the support we have received and we honestly cannot thank Millbry Hill enough.”

Millbry Hill Director Serena Harriman ends: “The time and effort which our staff and customers have spent to help people and animals in need has been incredible. The team’s desire to continue with this work is unwavering and I am extremely proud of them all.”

Millbry Hill’s website can be found at www.millbryhill.co.uk

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