Aer Lingus donates used blankets to animal charities

‘Amazing gesture’ keeps blankets out of landfill

Dogs across Ireland will soon be kept toasty by airline blankets (iStock)

Aer Lingus is bringing a little extra cheer into the world this festive season by donating its inflight blankets to animal charities in Northern Ireland instead of putting them in landfill.

These blankets, used on transatlantic flights, usually only get washed and reused about three times before they are discarded.

Inspired by his own adoption of a rescue dog, an Aer Lingus pilot decided to negotiate a deal with the airline whereby they give old blankets to animal rescue charities that can make better use of them, reports Belfast Live.

“Aer Lingus have agreed to donate all blankets that will be disposed of and they’ve agreed they can be used by any animal rescue groups or centres for clean bedding for animals or any use that can be thought of for the animals,” said a spokesperson for Lost and Found Pets North Down.

“And this will be an ongoing supply. We cannot thank everyone involved enough for this amazing gesture.”

Eight organisations are signed up to the scheme so far: Almost Home Animal Rescue NI; Sophie’s Dog Rescue; German Shepherd RRR; Rescue Cats NI; The Barn Animal Rescue; Lucy’s Trust; Paws and People; and Dogs Trust Donegal.

The first blankets have been arriving in Northern Ireland for distribution this week.

Priority is being given to the smaller rescue charities which are run by volunteers who “do not get paid for their love and dedication to the furbabes”, according to Lost and Found Pets North Down.