Donations flood in for Winter Bag Appeal
Appeal volunteers distribute the bags to homeless people living on the streets of Edinburgh.
A scheme to support homeless people and their pets in Edinburgh has enjoyed a record-breaking number of donations this year.
The Dick Vet Winter Bag Appeal, organised by veterinary volunteers at the University of Edinburgh, invites campus staff and students to fill bags with warm clothes and necessities such as toiletries and blankets.
Now in its sixth year, the annual event was started by former Dick Vet student Dr Jaime-Leigh Thompson and is now run by a small group of veterinary students.
The donated bags are collected by Appeal volunteers, who work with Edinburgh-based charities Bethany Christian Trust, Steps to Hope SCIO and CrossReach Cunningham House, and distributed to the homeless and vulnerable people in the city.
Originality focussed on Christmas, the scheme has extended into the New Year to ensure those sleeping on the streets continue to receive support during the coldest months of the year.
Fifth-year student Zoe Powell-Davies, who is one of the Appeal volunteers, commented: “Being exposed to how cold Edinburgh is in the winter, I couldn’t imagine how I could cope without food, shelter and warm clothing.
“The weather can be bitter and ruthless to those on the streets and, having helped distribute bags in previous years, I have seen first-hand how much these donations are appreciated by those who receive them.”
Volunteers say they have had a 'phenomenal' response to the 2021 campaign and have managed to fill a total of 125 bags. The team hopes to continue to collect donations early next semester and are inviting students to bring back any unwanted items/Christmas gifts to campus.
The scheme also accepts dog-related donations such as food, treats, toys, blankets, coats and reflective collars. These bags are distributed by All4Paws, a student-run veterinary clinic that provides free care for pets of homeless people.
For more information about the appeal and details on how to donate, visit ed.ac.uk/vet/news-events/2021-news/festivebagappeal
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
