RNLI has rejected a donation from a fox hunt fundraiser in Ireland that had planned a New Year’s Eve event.
The Dungarvan Foxhounds Supporters Club aimed to hold a bucket collection boosted by a cap donation from the club, but the charity told the club it would not accept a donation.
A spokesman for the RNLI said: “The RNLI was approached by a local hunt club in Ireland who wished to hold a bucket collection with fundraising branch volunteers at an upcoming live fox hunt. This request was considered by the RNLI and declined.
“As a charity that saves lives at sea and on inland waters and which operates across both the UK and Ireland, the RNLI reserves the right to decline donations.
“The practice of fox hunting is one that evokes strong feelings in many, including our volunteers and supporters, from all sides of the debate. Fox hunting is illegal in many of the regions where the RNLI operates and, while it continues in some areas, the charity has made the decision to decline donations associated with the activity and therefore remove the ask on volunteers who may not wish to support a fundraising request of this nature.
“We are grateful for the support that our communities give to our lifesavers and the decisions taken on donations are done in consideration of supporting them and ensuring that our core focus remains on the mission of the charity.”
This decision prompted debate on social media about whether the RNLI should accept donations from fox hunters.
Television presenter Chris Packham wrote on social media: “Top work by the RNLI, a charity dedicated to saving lives – not wasting them. Maybe offer your blood money to the weapons industry?”
Wake up ! The whole wide world is sick of the barbaric , anachronistic , entitled and abject cruelty to wildlife still currently perpetuated by hunting . Top work by the @RNLI , a charity dedicated to saving lives - not wasting them . Maybe offer your blood money to the weapons… https://t.co/rjOrRwHBZB
— Chris Packham (@ChrisGPackham) December 28, 2023
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