Anyone who’s ever worked with Rachel has complete admiration for the commitment & dedication she’s shown in setting up TOLFA & growing it to the fantastic facility it is today.

Rachel Wright, Welfare Veterinary Nurse of the Year 2012

Being a very modest person Rachel would say it’s not only down to her, it’s also the people who have and do support TOLFA, but without Rachel there would be no TOLFA.

It would mean the 14,500 dogs we’ve sterilised would still be breeding. The number of animals and people contracting Rabies would be greater. All the animals that have been given emergency care would still be suffering. The free clinic that supports local impoverished people and the education project wouldn’t exist. The staff we employ and their families wouldn’t have that income …. the list is endless

So Congratulations Rachel. You totally deserve the recognition and praise this award brings you for growing and nurturing the seed that has blossomed into the beautiful Tree of Life for Animals and touched the lives of so many.

Kim finishing the Hastings Half 2012 after 3 hrs

You can still make a donation to congratulate them on their achievement by clicking on the ‘Donate’ button below.

This shouldn’t cause any problems for those that have existing fundraising pages with JustGiving as we’re going to overlap the switch but if you’re considering setting up a fundraising page or a regular monthly donation please use our shiny new Virgin Money Giving button.

Many thanks!

We always need people to fundraise for other things too though such as food, medicine, running the rescue vehicle and paying our staff. Not glamorous but oh so vital! It’s what makes us able to keep doing what we do so don’t stop…

This month we have news that Kim and Pete are running the Hastings Half Marathon for us for the 4th time.

We know everyone is feeling the pinch so they’re asking for everyone to donate just £1 and spread the word. If they can get 250 people to do this they’ll reach their target. Please help!

If you’d like to fundraise for us or know of anyone fundraising for us please let us know at enquiries@tolfa.org.uk

The plots of land are rapidly being sponsored and the plan is turning greener with every week - turning this empty space into a potential new forest for our ever-growing Tree of Life for Animals.

Sponsoring a plot of sanctuary makes fantastic gift for somebody and it’s for such a worthwhile cause it’ll make you glow inside!

Give the Gift of Sanctuary today

Kym’s devoting life to the welfare of animals

Kym is doing a fantastic job at spreading the word about TOLFA in the UK. As a result the support, donations and volunteers we are getting is making a real difference to the lives of many in India where the shelter is based.

Don’t stop helping us - together we can make such a difference!

Helping us help them

If it’s something you’re interested in doing please download Leaving a Legacy to TOLFA. If you have any more questions please email us at enquiries@tolfa.org.uk.

Sadly the little calf become an orphan. The staff were on a round-the-clock rota to bottle feed her. She even got her own ‘designer’ coat to keep her warm!

Great news though because not long after our little orphaned lady calf was found suckling from a cow that had come into the hospital after losing her own calf - they look like they were made for each other.

Just one of the many happy endings we see at the hospital - and all thanks to the time, compassion, devotion and money from every single one of you!

Please keep donating to TOLFA so we can make sure more of these stories become a reality.

We have also been incredibly fortunate this year to be able to purchase a brand new rescue vehicle which is on the road 24 hours a day, struggling to keep up with the number of calls that we receive daily from members of the public. Our hospital is also sanctuary to more than 40 shelter animals that are well and truly intergrated into our TOLFA family. In the last couple of months, we were joined by 2 new horses Patrick and Penny that were dramatically rescued from this year’s Pushkar fair.

Our dedicated staff continue to work around the clock to try and keep on top of our burgeoning work load. It’s been necessary to increase our staff which includes a new veterinary doctor, Dr Mukesh, animal rescue assistant, Lakhan and livestock assistant, Harish, but sadly we’ve had to say goodbye to our peaceful driver Saffi. There have also been a few changes. Bunty, who has been with us for many years, has just started his new role as nurturing staff member.

Our Project Raja volunteer scheme goes from strength to strength and is proving particularly popular with training veterinary students from around the world such as our nurturing volunteer Michelle. This year saw more than 55 volunteers fundraise and dedicate their time to help TOLFA fulfil its aims. Volunteers are a vital resource for our charity and a lot of emphasis this year will go on expanding our network of ‘nurturing volunteers’ who can make such a difference to the welfare needs of our patients. Hear about Kirsty’s volunteering experience.

Our rabies eradication project has seen more than 14,000 stray dogs sterilised and vaccinated in 4 different Rajasthani cities, since TOLFAs inception in 2005. Our rescue and care project brings dogs, cows, donkeys, monkeys, cats and birds to the hospital, so that they can receive the veterinary treatment they vitally need. 20 and more sick and injured goats regularly make their way to our free afternoon clinic for poor local villagers as part of our rural development project and October 2011 saw the launch of our education project, which we feel is imperative to help improve the situation for animals living in our area.

TOLFA is run by a network of trustees in both India and the UK, who give up their time, for free to ensure the smooth running of the charities. TOLFA UK is the absolute backbone to the work that we do in India and in recent times has seen some changes to the board.

All in all, it has been a fantastic year for TOLFA which we hope will continue into the New Year. 7th January 2012 will see TOLFA featured in a TV programme that will be aired through one of India’s national networks. Our biggest aim for 2012 is to secure a substantial piece of land located behind our existing shelter. This would be a huge asset to us, increasing the space available to us, to be able to provide sanctuary to all the animals that continue to make their way to our industrious hospital. Help us with our Sanctuary Appeal.

It is only through the incredible generosity of our supporters and volunteers, that TOLFA is able to carry out the work that is so vital. Unfortunately we are unable to mention every name but the following have been wonderfully generous. A huge thanks goes to: The Delves Trust, The Animal Defense Trust, The Betty and Bernard Davidson Charitable Trust, The Marchig Trust, WSPA, The Valerie White Memorial Trust and The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust. Also to: Kim Collins, Peter Maloney, Lulu and Garett O’Leary, Katy Horton and Simon Kent, Barbara Webb and Jim Pearson, Michelle Hayes, Bob and Maureen Crafer, Karen Benfield et al and Linda Horton.

We hope that you have had an excellent festive season and look forward to your support in the year ahead. Happy 2012!!