July’s £150 for Charity competition in celebration of our 150 years in business was another fantastic month of nominations, with some truly inspiring local organisations in the running. It’s been wonderful to see just how many charities and community groups across the South East are making a difference every single day.
This month’s shortlist was especially strong, featuring a mix of projects supporting people, animals, and communities. After all the votes were counted, we’re delighted to announce that our July winner is The Retreat Animal Rescue Farm Sanctuary and Café! 🎉🐮
Located near Ashford in Kent, The Retreat provides rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong sanctuary to animals of all kinds - from farm animals to domestic pets. Their mission is simple but powerful: to save lives, prevent suffering, and promote compassionate living. Through vegan outreach, education, and hands-on care, they’re helping to change the way people think about animals and inspiring kindness in every visitor who walks through their gates.
The Retreat currently cares for over 1,250 animal residents and has saved more than 20,000 animals over the past 30 years. Now, they’re looking to expand their facilities to help even more animals in need — an incredible goal that we’re proud to support. We hope our £150 donation can go a small way toward helping them achieve it.
As a long-established local removal company in the Ashford area, we’re proud to be part of such a compassionate and community-minded region. Supporting local charities like The Retreat is one of the ways we’re marking our 150th year — celebrating the people (and animals!) that make Kent such a special place to call home.
We also want to give a big shoutout to our other brilliant July finalists:
- 🐴 Animal Antiks – a unique charity based on a working farm, offering animal-assisted activities that support people facing loneliness and mental health challenges.
- 🍎 St. Philip’s Community Larder – providing affordable food and warm company to anyone who needs it in Tunbridge Wells, while helping reduce food waste across the area.
- 🏘 Tilling Green Residents Association – bringing the Rye community together through activities, events, and support based at the Tilling Green Community Centre.
Thank you to everyone who nominated, voted, and shared this month’s competition. Your engagement helps raise awareness of so many worthwhile causes doing incredible work in our local communities.
Keep an eye out for August’s competition, launching soon — we’ve still got plenty more local heroes to celebrate this year!
