'Keep our help desk open': Emergency fundraiser with €10K goal launched by Kildare-based animal rescue group

An emergency fundraiser with a €10,000 target has bee launched by Kildare Wildlife Rescue (KWR).

Taking to social media to explain the nature of its fundraiser, KWR said: "We are very proud of the success of our Help Desk, a one-of-a-kind service in Ireland, providing prompt and case-specific advice to anyone who reports an injured, sick or orphaned animal in need of help.

"Up until now, the Help Desk has been able to operate seven days a week, including weekends and Bank Holidays, 8am to 11pm, and is used by members of the public, veterinary professionals and governmental agencies alike. However, due to an unprecedented increase in reports, we need your support to keep our Help Desk open."

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KWR elaborated: "As the word of our good work spread, so did the number of people contacting us; while we have responded to a little over 8,000 reports in 2024.

"This number increased by over 60 per cent in 2025, with over 13,000 reports responded to in total, and we expect this number to rise again in 2026."

Furthermore, KCC claimed that the the demand for this service is now so high that it can no longer rely on volunteer work only: "In order to maintain quality and long opening hours, the KWR Help Desk urgently needs to raise funds to employ part-time operators to work alongside volunteers.

"We are giving ourselves two months to reach our goal; if we fail, we will sadly have to reduce this service significantly, cutting our operating hours down by half and only be able to respond to a small fraction of people contacting us for help."

KWR concluded: "Please support our work and help us ensure that anyone finding wildlife in need of help can rely on our services in 2026."

The fundraiser can be viewed on www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/HelpOurHelpDesk.

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BRIEF BACKGROUND

KWR is a registered charity which was established in early 2022.

It later acquired its own centre in July of that same year.

KWR's site is divided into a number of areas and pens, which are specially designated for a different type of wild animal.

The organisation is currently led by its manager, Dan Donoher, who is also known for his previous work with Kildare Animal Foundation.

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