A GOLF club has shown its support for a charity that hopes to end bear bile farming in Vietnam and China.
Kerry Roberts was appointed captain at Tidworth Garrison Golf Club and chose to support Animals Asia during his tenancy.
The club showed an incredible effort - raising more than £11,000 that will go toward building a sanctuary in Vietnam.
Animals Asia opposes bear bile farming, which sees the animals kept in small cages, often not being able to move while bile is extracted painfully through their abdomens.
The bile is used in traditional medicine, in many common products such as toothpaste, and is promoted as a cure for multiple ailments already served well by the pharmaceutical industry. However, there are more than 30 herbal alternatives to bear bile, and numerous synthetic alternatives.
Jo Rhodes, from the charity, said: "Animals Asia engages with government authorities, public representatives and policy-makers in China, Vietnam and internationally to build support for an end to bear bile farming.
"In 2017, Animals Asia signed a legally binding agreement with the Vietnamese government to end bear bile farming for good in the country. There are around 300 bears waiting in Vietnam to be released from their cages.
"Animals Asia is currently building a second bear sanctuary in Vietnam for these survivors of this sad trade.
"Through an auction, raffle, race night, club cleaning and general donations, the golf club has raised more than £11,000 throughout the year to help build the sanctuary.
"During these difficult times, this is an amazing achievement and I was very pleased to be presented with the cheque.
"In recognition of the golf club members' kindness, the charity will have Tidworth Garrison Golf club on a name plaque at the new sanctuary. They are hoping many members will visit the sanctuary in Vietnam and see how the money has changed the lives of these sad bears."
If anyone is interested in volunteering with Animals Asia locally and raising awareness and funds, please contact Jo Rhodes via email johannerhodes@hotmail.com
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