It might be a new year, but unfortunately it is one with the same old problems – not least for the many charities out there, trying to manoeuvre and make a difference while sailing in choppy waters.
Cash flow is a problem, and after the season of giving comes the season of penny pinching.
But for staff at Hula Animal Rescue, as with so many other animal charities, they are still tasked with many dependent hungry mouths to feed.
And hungry bellies don't recognise money shortfalls.
You can help make a difference though, by popping along to one of the monthly open events we always shout about, and splashing a few bob.
Unfortunately though, this Sunday's event has been cancelled as the field in waterlogged, making the fundraising all the more difficult.
So, how can you help? Well, you could donate a few bob, some food or blankets to the centre in Aspley Guise, or volunteer your time to the centre.
And you could go and treat yourself to a nice new knitted number, courtesy of the charity's star wool-worker, Frances Bell.
The quickest way to find Frances is to follow the click-clicking of knitting needles...she's always at work creating some little cutie or another.
In the lead up to Christmas, she was hard at work making snowmen and santa's, fairies and reindeer. But with the new year, comes new opportunities, and right now it's all about the pooches (above).
As ever, the offers for these clever creations are pouring in.
“On the day I vowed never to knit another dog as they are so fiddly, I got an order for a springer spaniel, a beagle, two jack russell's and a pinscher...they will teach me!” Frances said.
In 2015, her fantastic efforts swelled Hula's coffers by £1303, and she has more ideas in the pipeline: “This year I plan to teach myself Japanese crochet, Amigurumi, so that I can extend my range, but will also be working towards our second craft show, which is planned for March.
We will keep you posted about that.
Meantime, you can find out more about Frances' work, and her range by searching Hand Knitted for Hula on Facebook.
For more information on donating, supporting or volunteering for Hula, or if you are looking at rehoming an animal, visit www.hularescue.org
