Friends Of The Animals Named Red Funnel’s Charity Of The Year For 2026

A Newport-based animal welfare charity has been named Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year for 2026.

Friends of the Animals was selected following dozens of nominations from Islanders, with Red Funnel colleagues voting to support the charity and its work helping pets and wildlife across the Isle of Wight.

Founded more than 30 years ago, Friends of the Animals provides vital care and support for sick, injured and unwanted animals.

With demand for animal welfare services continuing to rise, Red Funnel says the new partnership will help support animals and families across the Island community over the coming year.

Red Funnel CEO Fran Collins said the charity carries out incredible work and described the partnership as particularly meaningful because it was chosen by staff.

She said many team members understand the strong bond people have with their pets and the comfort and mental health benefits they bring, making Friends of the Animals a cause close to their hearts.

Friends of the Animals supports a wide range of animals, from domestic pets to farm animals and wildlife, offering services including emergency veterinary treatment and support to help families keep their animals healthy.

Around 90 per cent of the charity’s work is carried out by volunteers.

Founder Helen Sinclair MBE said she was delighted to learn the charity had been chosen as Red Funnel’s Charity of the Year for 2026.

She said that for almost 36 years the charity has helped thousands of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as wildlife and birds.

She added that preventative work, including the Pet Food Bank and spay and neuter programmes, has supported tens of thousands of animals and people across the Island.

Helen said Friends of the Animals is often an animal’s last chance at life and welcomed the opportunity to work with Red Funnel, saying the partnership would help save even more animals.

Over the next 12 months, Red Funnel will raise funds for the charity through a series of events and initiatives, as well as accepting customer donations at terminals and onboard ferries.

Red Funnel’s outgoing 2025 Charity of the Year was the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, with more than £42,000 raised.

The ferry operator says it is now looking forward to supporting Friends of the Animals and making a positive difference for animals in 2026.