Help ‘mind-blowing’ in wake of theft

A Southland animal charity is overwhelmed with the support it has received from its community in the wake of one of its volunteers stealing more than $20,000 in donations from it.

Former Furever Homes volunteer Nicola Marie Blanch, 38, was sentenced to seven months’ home detention after pleading guilty to seven charges of theft by a person in a special relationship in the Invercargill District Court on Tuesday.

Blanch received more than 150 payments into her personal account, totalling $21,748.60, after supplying her personal bank details rather than the charity’s for the payment of donations and adoption fees.

Furever Homes is hopeful it will be able to start taking animals again soon, after receiving about $8000 in donations since the court case.

Furever Homes volunteer Brodie Dodds said the financial impact of Blanch’s theft meant they were no longer able to take in any animals and the future of the charity, which had been operating for 14 years, was at risk.

Volunteer Loanna Messman said the charity was blown away by the support it had received from the Southland community since that "very sad episode".

"It’s been overwhelming. The amount of support has just been mind-blowing and we are in awe to have such a huge support network.

"We knew we had a huge support network, but for everyone to pull together and help us, help the animals, so we don’t have to close the doors and say no, it’s just been amazing.

"I mean, it’s going to take us a long time to pick up and get back to where we were, and clear some of the outstanding accounts and bills ... but we’re getting there."

A Givealittle page was created and many of the charity’s followers were suggesting ideas for fundraising to help it continue to do the work.

She believed about $8000 had been donated since Tuesday.

"It should never have happened. I mean, like, we should never have had to get to this point and to have funds coming in this way. But it did get to that point and we’re just trying to make the best of the bad situation for the animals that are out there."

Ms Messman said the most important thing had been the stories and love they received through this difficult time.

People were posting pictures of their beloved animals, which became part of their family after the help of the Southland charity, she said.

"It’s heartwarming. It is what we do and what we strive for and I hope we can keep doing.

"We really just want to thank you, everyone."

The charity had 60 kittens and 30 dogs in its care, but hoped to be able to accept new animals soon.