Our Riverway Head Office had reached bursting point — quite literally, with donations stacked all the way to the ceiling! It became clear that we urgently needed a larger space. Then, just when we needed it most, the County Press newspaper’s former office building came up for sale.
Thanks to an incredibly generous legacy from a wonderful lady, Valerie Coltman (pictured below), we were able to purchase the building outright. Valerie’s compassion for animals lives on through her gift, which will continue to make a real and lasting impact on the lives of those we rescue. We are deeply grateful for her kindness and the difference she continues to make.
Once the building was secured, months of refurbishment began (see photos above). To avoid interrupting our day-to-day rescue work — the lifeline of the charity — the big move took place on a Sunday.
A HUGE thank you goes to everyone who lent a hand, especially “Wight Wolves” Steve, who provided a flat-bed truck, and Pete, Ant, and Gary, who supplied boundless enthusiasm and plenty of muscle. We truly couldn’t have done it without them.
Pop in and take a tour of the new HQ and shop – there are treasures galore to be found and we are so proud of what our team, with our thanks to Valerie Coltman, have achieved!
Don’t forget to pop into our fabulous, great-value charity shops, which you’ll find here:
• High Street, Ryde
• High Street, Sandown
• Riverway, Newport
• Pyle Street, Newport
• London Road, North End, Portsmouth
A lovely note from volunteer Lynne Oakley, who captures the spirit of our shops perfectly:
“Volunteering at the Sandown branch is pure joy and for a cause very close to my heart. I lived in Thailand and volunteered rescuing and caring for street dogs, and I’ve also volunteered and fundraised for Paphiakos Animal Rescue in Paphos. It is a privilege to don the pink T-shirt on a Friday and walk to work with such a great bunch of people.”
Thank you to everyone who supports our vital work raising funds for animals and to every-one who volunteers for us.
Posted on December 8th, 2025