‘Paw’ out your support for Britain’s needy pets

9 March 2009

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Burford is calling on animal lovers in the area to hold a tea party this spring to help raise funds for the needy animals in its care. 

To take part in The Blue Cross Tea Party event, participants simply host a tea party and invite friends, family, colleagues or neighbours to come along and make a donation to The Blue Cross in return for tea, cake or refreshments of their choice. Proceeds from each party will go towards providing care, not only for the many homeless animals looked after at the charity’s adoption centre in Burford, but also for the sick and abandoned animals cared for at Blue Cross animal hospitals and adoption centres across the UK.

This year The Blue Cross is also searching for the nation's best spot to enjoy afternoon tea with your dog and is inviting people to nominate a pet friendly teahouse in their area.

Blue Cross events officer, Tracey Chittock said: “Last year Blue Cross supporters raised an incredible £34,000 by hosting tea parties nationwide to help the animals in our care. This is the equivalent of funding a Blue Cross community nurse for a year, who treats poorly pets of people unable to afford private veterinary care in their own homes. We’d like to encourage animal lovers everywhere to take part this year - helping needy pets really can be as simple as putting the kettle on!” 

The Blue Cross helps many thousands of sick and homeless animals every year, but the charity receives no government funding, so it relies on the support of the public to continue its vital work.

A fundraising pack including lots of useful supporting materials will be sent to those who register to take part. To find out how to host a Blue Cross Tea Party and nominate a pet friendly tea house of your choice, please visit www.bluecrossteaparty.org.uk or phone 08444 993 663.  Register now to make a difference to animals in need.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Blue Cross Tea Party images are available – please contact The Blue Cross press office for details (media contact below)

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Burford was opened in 1990, and serves the counties of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, and Northamptonshire. There are facilities for dogs, cats and kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals.Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal 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 further information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk

Media contact

Ziela Haider - 020 7932 4063 / ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk