Last Saturday, myself and six other volunteers took to the streets of Oxford to raise money for a cause we believe passionately in – compassion and respect for all animals.

Animal Aid would like to thank the people of, and visitors to, Oxford, for their generosity in raising £207.70 at our street collection, and also for their interest and willingness to stop and engage in debate and discussion or just to find out more.

In a time of recession, the kindness we were shown last Saturday feels overwhelming and completely shatters any illusion that community spirit has broken down or that people’s lives are so busy that they have no time to stop, listen, talk and give.

One such example was the farmer from New Zealand who told us that he had more than 5,000 cattle back home and who was not only willing to stop, chat and listen to us, but also gave generously and took some leaflets. Our experience completely did away with any doubts we may have had that we would not be welcomed or accepted, let alone that we would raise such a significant amount.

This money will now help fund our peaceful campaigns and our important educational work on all aspects of animal cruelty.

So, thank you to all those who stopped, chatted, took leaflets, signed petitions and donated money. We look forward very much to doing it again and please stop by when we do.

Jen Marks (Animal Aid Collection co-ordinator) Hailey