More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
An animal sanctuary is hosting a 'Wacky Goat Run' to raise funds during the coronavirus pandemic.
Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats looks after more than 130 hooved herbivores, many of which have been saved from neglect, at its site in rural Boughton Monchelsea.
KMTV report on the story
It is the only charity in the UK solely working towards the welfare of goats, and has been running since 1989, becoming an official registered charity 14 years later.
But, like many animal organisations across the county, Buttercups has been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis. Closed to visitors, it is now relying on emergency reserves to pay for food and medical treatment.
The shelter also employs 10 staff - half of these have been furloughed with the rest still working on site and needing their wages.
To try and raise some money, the centre is holding a 'Wacky Goat Run'. People can sponsor the bleating mammal of their choice to be in with a chance of winning a free 'walking with goats experience' when the lockdown is lifted.
Part of a nationwide campaign called the 2.6 challenge - encouraging charities to host creative events in replacement of the 26-mile London Marathon meant to have taken place last Sunday - Buttercups has selected 26 of their animals to compete.
They will be doing their normal daily run from the stables to their grazing field on Sunday, May 3.
The race will be shared on the charity's social media pages, and all the names of sponsors of the winning goat will be put in a hat, with the first five names drawn bagging a walking experience for two.
Pictures and names of the participants are on the charity's website.
After you have chosen your goat, the sanctuary asks you donate at least £5 via the 2.6 Challenge JustGiving page, comment the name and take a screenshot. You then send this to Buttercups via Facebook, Twitter or email to be entered into the draw.
Sanctuary founder Robert Hitch said: "The coronavirus has meant the closure of many businesses and establishments, but animal sanctuaries by their nature cannot close - the goats still need looking after.
"The charity's finances have already been affected by the closure to visitors and looking into the future, our income could well be reduced by up to 80%.
"We therefore ask all animal lovers to come to the rescue, to help look after all our goats here at Buttercups."
To donate to Buttercups' general Covid-19 appeal, click here.
