Home to a huge range of animals – from cats and dogs, to horses and snakes – Greenacres Rescue is an animal rehoming and rehabilitation centre based in the beautiful Pembrokeshire countryside.

The charity runs rehoming services for all domestic animals, offering them permanent sanctuary at the centre where this isn’t possible. It focuses on giving every creature a ‘second chance’ meaning that all animals are given the medical treatment and the home that they need, regardless of their age or the costs involved.

Founded in 2008, Greenacres has been operating as a registered charity since 2018 and is the only all-animal rescue entre in Pembrokeshire. Its work is made possible through public support, including financial donations and volunteering, both at its centre and in its four charity shops. The centre is actively involved in giving back to its community, offering work placements and school visits, with an inclusive approach that extends to individuals with learning or mental health needs and those on probation.

Now, a loan from Triodos will enable the purchase of the charity’s current site, a 28-acre space that is home to around 200 animals and is currently rented. In purchasing the site, the charity aims to secure its long-term future, continuing to help animals in need across the region for years to come.

“Owning our own site will provide added security for the charity and ensure the long-term future for our many permanent residents,” says Georgina Pearson, director at Greenacres Rescue.

“We were pleased that Triodos saw the value in our work and wanted to support our welfare and social-wellbeing-based approach. We’re also incredible grateful to have received a legacy donation that has allowed us to go ahead with this purchase, and it just wouldn’t have been possible without that generosity.”

The charity – and its furry residents – are now looking forward to a brighter, more secure future.

Growing impact in Wales

Greenacres is just the latest in a growing list of Welsh organisations to receive funding from the bank, with lending to values-based projects in the country increasing by 45% between 2017 and 2020.

“Following the Welsh government’s declaration of a climate emergency and the broad discussions around ensuring a green and fair recovery from the pandemic in Wales, it’s clear that the country is focused on paving the way for a sustainable economy and green jobs,” comments Rob Keegan, business banking regional manager for Wales. “We see supporting organisations that work for the benefit of people and the planet as an important role for us within this transition.”

The bank’s loan book includes a wide range of Welsh organisations, ranging from community energy projects to housing co-operatives, and organic farming to spiritual retreats, including:

• Awel y Gwrhyd Community Wind Farm near Swansea, owned by local community society Awel Co-op
• First Choice Housing Association, which provides accommodation across Wales specifically for vulnerable people to enable them to live independently within the local community.