Tea Party launch

The Blue Cross today launches the nation's biggest Tea Party for pets, supported by actor Martin Freeman, star of The Office and A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. An assortment of Blue Cross canines are marking the event by 'taking tea' together at one of London's most prestigious tea venues, Claridge's Hotel in London.  

Backed by The UK Tea Council and Bonne Maman Patisserie, this fundraising event is the first of its kind to be launched by the charity, and we hope that combining the Brits' love of tea with their passion for animal welfare will prove to be 'the icing on the cake' for the thousands of homeless and sick animals we care for every year.

Martin Freeman, who owns a rescue dog called Archie, said: "Archie and I are really pleased to be supporting this event. Tea and pets are two vital elements of the British way of life and must be protected! I'm a great supporter of the work of The Blue Cross and this event will enable them to continue providing care for the thousands of animals that pass through their doors every year.  So stick the kettle on and brew up some support."

To mark our first Tea Party, we carried out an on-line Tea Drinkers' Survey, revealing some interesting facts about the tea drinking habits of Britain's many pet lovers:

•  When asked who they would invite to their dream tea party, most people chose Rolf Harris, followed by Johnny Depp, then The Queen
• 67 per cent of respondents preferred a classic cup of English Breakfast tea, but 77% would rather drink it abroad than in Britain. 
• 41 per cent of supporters said a tea party would give them an excuse to eat cake, while 29% looked forward to curling up with their pet and a cuppa.

John Rutter, chief executive of The Blue Cross, said: "The first ever Blue Cross Tea Party is the perfect excuse for animal lovers to indulge in one of our greatest British traditions - a cuppa and a piece of a cake - in aid of needy animals.  The money raised will help us care for the thousands of sick and homeless pets that come through our doors every year."

Blue Cross Tea Party registrations have almost reached the 1,000 mark, with fundraising events planned throughout the country in all manner of venues, from nursing homes and village tea shops, to dog training classes and even hair salons.  Word of the event has even reached Blue Cross supporters in Italy, who are planning a Tea Party later in the year.

Proceeds from each Blue Cross Tea Party will go towards our vital work caring for sick and homeless animals and providing pet care advice and information to the nation's pet owners. 

Visit The Blue Cross Tea Party website to find out more!

May 2007