Amy Wilson
Job title
Fundraising Manager
Time at the charity
I started in 2008…time flies when you are having fun!
Quick summary of your role
Anything fundraising, ensuring our activities are well supported, legal and encouraging everyone to support us by organising events which are all inclusive, fun and engaging. I manage all our national appeals, from the Easter and Summer Fundraisers to our flagship Christmas event, Santa Paws – supporting our store teams and vet practices to help us raise as much money as possible to support as many pets and people charities as we can.
What do you love most about working at Pets Foundation?
I just love my job, combining my love of pets and fundraising to make the world a better place for those who need a bit of help … the variety of what I do, the enthusiasm and the passion for pets of the people I work with and those we help inspires me to do the best I can.
What pet do you have at home?
Just after lockdown, I re-homed Wilma, a chunky now 7-year-old chocolate Labrador, from Dogs Trust. She's been starved of socialisation, but not food and is in need of a controlled diet and lots of walk to shed some extra pounds (couldn't we all). She’s affectionately known by everyone as Wilma Bear. She just loves everyone and wakes up every day with so much enthusiasm for a new day – we could all be more ‘Wilma’. We are still working out the ground rules, but I know who is boss - and definitely who hogs most of the sofa!
What’s your favourite type of pet?
I love most animals…Favourites are dogs, elephants and cows - and who doesn't love a donkey! But until I win the lottery and can have my own elephants, a dog will be a very close second.
What is your most memorable rescue experience?
Too many to mention… over 15 years seeing small rescues grow, develop and fulfil their dreams… like Hope Rescue, which I have seen grow from operating out of a kitchen, to renting their own kennel space, to buying their own centre – showing what commitment, passion and our help have made possible. I've had the privilege to visit so many rescues in my time - and am always blown away by the commitment of those who dedicate themselves to finding loving homes for pets within their local community. Pets don't ask for much from us, and give so much in return. I love seeing the difference we can make and the support to let them do more.
What are you most excited for this year at the Foundation?
With the ongoing challenges of the last few years when fundraising has never been harder, with so much uncertainty and finances stretched, I want to deliver our most successful fundraising year ever – because if I don’t make that happen, the funding isn’t there to award… and charities have never needed our help more, as they hopefully get back on their feet, and we can help them get back to doing what they do best.
Where are you most likely to be found in your job?
Well I could be anywhere, now the world has opened up again, In my time with the Foundation I’ve been to Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England, visited over 250 Pets at Home stores to meet our incredible store teams, hundreds of rescues – organised 10 years of Santa Paws appeals, encouraged colleagues to jump out of planes, travelled at 70mph on the longest zipline in the world and abseiled down a 420 lift tower ! I’ve been to the Animal Hero Awards and the National Cat Awards, spoken at the National Chartered Institute of Fundraising Convention #Proud to be a fundraiser –– so anything, anywhere is possible!
