This Christmas, a small gesture can make a big difference to a rescue dog. MADRA’s Dog’s Dinner Appeal is back, inviting animal lovers to donate just six euros, enough to give a rescued dog a warm, nourishing meal this festive season.
Now in its fifth year, the appeal has become one of the charity’s most important fundraisers. Each six-euro donation provides a meal for a dog waiting for a forever home, a simple way to share kindness this Christmas.
Gift cards are also available for those who’d like to buy a Dog’s Dinner on behalf of someone else, making an ideal present for animal lovers. They also make a thoughtful gift for employees while supporting a worthy cause.
This year has been one of the toughest yet for MADRA, which is marking 20 years of rescuing and rehoming dogs. Rising costs, an increase in dogs needing help, and fewer donations have made it increasingly difficult for the charity to keep up with demand. Every dog that arrives at MADRA needs food, veterinary care, and a safe place to recover.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who continues to support us year after year,” said Dawn Divilly, Director of Operations at MADRA. “We started the Dog’s Dinner Appeal in 2020 after what was truly a ‘dog’s dinner’ of a year, and it’s become a vital fundraiser. Each donation helps us cover essential costs and gives these dogs a little bit of comfort and kindness.”
This year’s Dog’s Dinner card features one of the 13 Woodstock puppies, found alone in the woods near Bushypark. The newborns were bottle-fed around the clock until a community effort led to their reunion with their mother, a heartwarming story that captures MADRA’s spirit of compassion and teamwork.
MADRA also offers a wide range of Christmas gifts, available online at www.madra.ie and in their Moycullen shop. Favourites include cosy beanie hats, the always-popular wall calendar, and a new limited-edition dog-walking travel mug.
The puppy calendar returns, featuring some of the adorable pups rescued this year. These, along with handmade dog beds and toys made from upcycled materials, will also be available at the MADRA cabin at the Galway Christmas Market from November 28 to December 4.
Supporters can also help by buying tickets for MADRA’s Annual Mega Raffle, available online or in-store, with great prizes donated by local businesses. The winners will be drawn by MADRA Ambassador Sharon Shannon on Sunday, December 21, at the MADRA Shop in Moycullen.
To donate a Dog’s Dinner, buy raffle tickets, shop online, or learn more, visit www.madra.ie
