This Christmas, a small gesture can make a world of difference for a rescue dog. MADRA’s Dog’s Dinner Appeal is back, inviting animal lovers everywhere to donate just €5 to provide a meal for a rescue dog in need. This year, in addition to meals, supporters can also help by purchasing from an exclusive range of gift items, with all proceeds going directly to support the dogs.
For every €5 donated, a rescued dog will receive a warm, nutritious meal, helping them feel the love and care they deserve while they wait for a forever home. Gift cards are available for those who’d like to buy a Dog’s Dinner on behalf of a loved one which can make an ideal Christmas gift.
This year has been incredibly challenging one for MADRA who will enter their 20th year of rescuing dogs in 2025. With rising operational costs, a surge in dogs needing homes, and fewer donations as people face financial hardship, many rescues are struggling to stay open. Every dog that comes through MADRA’s doors requires medical attention, food, and a safe place to recover, and each rescued life represents both an expense and an urgent mission," said Dawn Divilly, director of operations. “We’re so grateful to our supporters who, year after year, help us to keep our doors open. We started the Dog’s Dinner appeal in 2020 after a literal ‘dog’s dinner’ of a year and it has become one of our most important fundraisers. With each donation, supporters are not only helping us cover essential costs, but they’re also giving a lifeline to these dogs and a sense of comfort and kindness.”
Clifford, the model for this year’s appeal, is one of the hundreds of dogs rescued by MADRA this year. With shelters facing unprecedented demand, the Dog’s Dinner Appeal aims to ensure that every dog receives a very special Christmas dinner, a gesture that goes a long way for animals who have already been through so much.
As well as the Dog’s Dinner, MADRA has a fantastic range of other gift options available on their MADRA.ie online store and at their shop in Moycullen. Firm favourites include their beanie hats and the ever-popular wall calendar along with a Christmas version of their MADRA socks. The limited-edition puppy calendar returns this year and features some of the adorable pups rescued by MADRA in the past year. There is also a wonderful selection of handmade craft items such as dog beds and toys giving new life to old duvets and materials donated to the shop.
Supporters can also help MADRA by buying tickets for their Annual Mega Raffle online or in the shop. An incredible collection of fabulous prizes has been donated by businesses and supporters throughout Galway and the winners will be drawn by MADRA ambassador, Sharon Shannon, on Saturday, 14 December in the MADRA shop in Moycullen.
To donate a Christmas dinner to the dogs, to buy Raffle tickets, to shop online, or for more information visit: www.madra.ie
