The Blue Cross is asking veterinary nurses to donate any unwanted, saleable items to help the charity raise funds to care for homeless, abandoned, sick and injured pets.

All donations of unwanted clothes, books or bric-a-brac are sent for sale in one of the charity's 55 charity shops around the UK.

Working in partnership with National Veterinary Services (NVS), empty donation bags are given to veterinary practices to fill with goods for NVS to collect and deliver to the charity. The partnership with NVS began in 2011 and so far over 60,000 bags have been collected, with an estimated value of over £1m.

Mark Corbett, Head of Retail at Blue Cross said: "We are extremely grateful to NVS, the vet practices taking part in the scheme and their clients. Although the donated items may be unwanted possessions to some, each bag generates about £20 of income for us. This means the scheme has so far provided an incredible amount of income towards helping the pets in our care.

Blue Cross receives no government funding, so relies on public donations to continue its vital work. 

Veterinary practices that receive their stock and drugs from NVS but are not yet part of The Blue Cross donation scheme can sign up now by contacting their NVS representative or email trading@bluecross.org.uk.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.