Back in July 2023, the GCCF office team laced up their walking shoes and took on an 11.5-mile challenge, all with one goal in mind — to raise vital funds to help feed cats during the cost-of-living crisis. Thanks to incredible support, the team raised an amazing £2,781.05. Determined to ensure the funds made a real difference, the team carefully considered where the money could have the greatest impact.
That journey led to St Giles Animal Welfare in Taunton, where a donation of £500 was made, alongside £324 worth of much-needed supplies purchased from their Amazon Wishlist. But it didn’t feel like enough to simply give – there was a desire to do more.
Volunteering at St Giles Animal Welfare
So, in early 2026, members of the GCCF office team took the opportunity to go one step further… by rolling up their sleeves and volunteering their time at the centre.
During the visits, the team were warmly welcomed by Mark, St Giles’ Volunteer Coordinator & Social Mentor, who kindly showed them around the centre. It quickly became clear that St Giles Animal Welfare is so much more than just a rescue – it’s a truly multi-faceted hub for animal welfare. As well as cats looking for their forever homes, the team met rescue dogs, and even cats and dogs who were boarding while their owners were away. They were also given a behind-the-scenes look at the dog training areas, the on-site veterinary facilities, and even the stables.
The team were blown away by the scale of the work St Giles Animal Welfare carries out, and the number of animals cared for every single day. They were in awe of the attention to detail across the centre, from organised volunteer rotas to whiteboards in the cattery outlining each cat, their feeding routines, and dietary needs. Not only that, but there were informative worksheets displayed throughout, providing guidance for staff and volunteers – including resources such as the Bristol Stool Chart to help monitor litter tray health and ensure the wellbeing of every cat in their care.
Mark also shared that St Giles Animal Welfare runs a range of educational sessions and classes for children. This is a fantastic initiative, helping young people to understand the importance of caring for animals and how to behave appropriately around them. This was particularly appreciated, as it closely aligns with the GCCF’s YES Scheme and the importance of encouraging and supporting the next generation within the cat fancy.
Visiting the Cattery
A highlight for the team was spending time in the cattery, meeting the cats and kittens currently waiting to be rehomed. Whilst visiting, Beth and Evie were introduced to four beautiful cats – sisters Poppy and Primrose, and next door, siblings Asuka and Knox. There were other cats in the cattery, but as some had only recently arrived that week, they were being gently eased into their new surroundings. The team ensured they were given the space needed to settle in comfortably.
Time was spent in the pens with both pairs, giving them plenty of cuddles and playtime. It was clear they just needed love – and they thrived on the attention. As the minutes passed and they grew more relaxed, their individual personalities began to shine through.
Beth and Evie then rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into the practical side of things, helping to clean out the pens – emptying litter trays, refreshing water bowls, and brushing away loose litter and food from the floors. Of course, the real challenge was getting in and out of the pens without any escape attempts… particularly from Knox, who proved to be quite the little Houdini!
The Second Visit
On the second visit, there were even more cats to meet. Bethany, Rhian, Henry and Abi spent time with Merlin, Lucy, Lynx, Pamela, Ben, Brad, Olivia, Judy, Daniel, George, Leonardo and Marilyn – a real array of personalities! St Giles Animal Welfare had recently taken in a group of British Shorthairs, believed to include a retired queen, a retired stud, and several of their progeny, alongside other young adults – all settling in and beginning their journey towards finding new homes.
Once again, time was spent getting to know the cats – sharing plenty of cuddles and attention, and seeing their personalities come through as they relaxed. It was clear how much they benefitted from that interaction.
Afterwards, it was time to roll up sleeves and help with the daily tasks – cleaning litter trays, brushing the areas, refreshing water bowls and keeping the pens tidy. It was a great opportunity to support the team on-site and contribute to the care and comfort of the cats.
Moments like these really highlight just how unique every cat is, and how important that one-to-one interaction can be in helping them feel comfortable, confident, and ready for their future homes.
Visit Overview
The time spent at St Giles Animal Welfare was incredibly rewarding, and a powerful reminder of the dedication, compassion and hard work that goes into caring for animals in need every single day. It was a privilege to not only support the centre financially, but to also contribute time and see first-hand the impact of that support.
While the support for St Giles Animal Welfare is something to be proud of, this is just one part of a wider commitment. With the remaining funds raised from the 2023 challenge, there are plans to continue giving back – with upcoming local charity donations of around £500 planned across Scotland, Ireland, the Midlands and the London area.
Supporting feline welfare remains at the heart of everything GCCF does, and thanks go to everyone who helped make this possible. If you would like to support the incredible work carried out by St Giles Animal Welfare, you can find out more or make a donation here.
