The Flevoland Animal Emergency Foundation said it received €50,000 from the legacy of Joop van der Vaart, the founder of Billy’s ice cream parlour in Lelystad, who died last year. Foundation president Irma Moes had expected about €100 when the executor contacted her and said the amount would be much larger.

Van der Vaart had regularly contacted the foundation about animals that needed to be collected. The foundation plans to spread the money over five years. Moes said it would help offset higher fuel costs and support the rescue of more animals, including wildlife for which municipalities do not cover most of the costs.