The RSPCA and other animal shelters report they are already at capacity ahead of the holiday season and have seen a spike in surrendered animals in recent weeks. For some people this is due to financial stress or the cost of pet boarding. If you are looking to welcome an animal into your or a loved one’s home for Christmas, please consider adopting from a shelter.

Donating to a local shelter is a great way to help animals in need this holiday period.

The Bower is also running a bike drive in both Redfern and Marrickville to provide bikes to children whose parents may otherwise not be able to give them one. If you have an old children’s bikes in good condition that you no longer need contact Ben at the Bower > [email protected].