16 Oct Essex cat charity invites supporters to sign up to help out
An Essex cat charity is appealing for new members who can spare a few pounds to support their ongoing work after active supporter numbers dwindled during the pandemic.
Sick and homeless cats in Chelmsford have relied on the Cats Protection staff and volunteers for nearly 60 years and their role in the community is as strong as ever. While recent restrictions put pressure on the cat care team, cats have continued to receive round the clock care from the Chelmsford Adoption Centre.
Such a high level of support for cats and their owners, such as neutering and welfare advice, comes at a cost and membership fees and donations have never been more in need or put to better use.
So far this year, around 300 cats from the centre have been helped, including 200 successfully matched with new owners and delivered within strict safety measures, thanks to the charity’s Hands-Free Homing initiative. Forty cats remain at the centre waiting to be chosen.
Fundraising activities and sponsored events have been cancelled since spring and current restrictions prevent the centre from scheduling events in the foreseeable future. The Covid-19 crisis has also seen a decline in local membership to just 60% of an all-time high in 2017.
To support an ongoing need and promote better cat ownership across Essex, Cats Protection’s Chelmsford Adoption Centre is putting out a call for new members who can contribute a few pounds each year.
For a minimum contribution of just £7.50 per year, members receive two 16-page newsletters with news from the local centre and a chance to enter annual competitions. Anyone who signs up this month should be in time for the autumn/winter newsletter.
Kieron Adams, Chelmsford Adoption Centre Manager, said: “We had to cancel popular fundraising events due to Covid-19, but we still need your support to continue caring for cats and supporting their owners.
“The people of Chelmsford have always been supportive and we hope that they will respond to our membership appeal. Unfortunately, the centre is closed to visitors so this is the perfect way to stay up to date on all things cat related until we can welcome you back in person.
“For less than £1 per month, people can make a big difference to the lives of many local cats. Of course, donations over and above the annual membership fee are more than welcome.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member should email Norma Smith at [email protected].
Cats Protection made its first paw prints in Chelmsford in 1963 and has gone on to help tens of thousands of cats and their owners to live better lives.
Cats available for homing from the Chelmsford Adoption Centre can be seen here: https://www.cats.org.uk/chelmsford/adopt-a-cat
