Garden Fete to raise funds for local pets in need

17 July 2008

Join The Blue Cross in Felixstowe for a fun day out in aid of needy local pets. The centre in Walton is hosting a special Garden Fete on Saturday 26^th July from 12.30pm until 4.00pm. Entry is by donation and all funds raised will go towards caring for the homeless and unwanted cats and dogs staying at the centre until loving new homes are found.

Browse the many stalls offering bric-a-brac, homemade cakes, goodies for pets and much more. Refreshments include barbequed food, strawberries and cream and ice-cream. There will also be the chance to win a special prize in the grand prize raffle and to meet some of the animals being cared for by the charity.

Clare Williamson, Blue Cross deputy manager at Felixstowe said: “We are looking forward to seeing many friends, old and new, join us at this year’s Garden fete. It promises to be a fun-packed day, whatever the weather and all funds raised will help us care for all the special pets we have at the centre.”

The Blue Cross does not receive any government funding so it relies on the support of the public to continue its vital work. Money raised on the day will go towards looking after all of the many kittens currently at the centre. There are currently 16 kittens at the centre, with even more unwanted litters due to arrive soon. All of the kittens will have to stay at the centre for a few more weeks as they are too young to go to a home yet. Before they are found new homes they will receive full vaccinations which costs up to  £25 per kitten, essential for their protection against life-threatening diseases.  All kittens will also go to their new homes microchipped and neutered (or owners will receive a voucher towards the cost of the procedure at a later date). Every year, Blue Cross animal adoption centres across the country are overwhelmed with litters of unwanted kittens which could be easily prevented if owners make sure their cats are neutered.

For further information about the Garden fete or the kittens needing homes please contact The Blue Cross in Felixstowe on 01394 283254. Or visit the centre at 333 High Street, Walton, Felixstowe, IP11 9QL.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Media are welcome to attend – please contact the press office for further information.

Images of the homeless kittens are available, please contact the press office.

Felixstowe animal adoption centre opened in 1970, after 23 years at another location in Walton. A rebuild followed in 1999 and provided a new reception, kitten unit, and an admissions unit. The centre mainly services Suffolk, Essex, parts of Cambridge, and parts of Norfolk. There are facilities for 24 cats and 12 dogs. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the centre call 01394 283254. Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday: 11am-4pm. Wednesdays: 11am-1pm. Thursday – Saturday: 11am-4pm: Closed on Sundays.

The Blue Cross animal charity provides practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of small animal and equine adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees. 

For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

Media contact

Louise Lee, 020 7932 4066 or louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk