The Halifax Rspca Cat Nap 2004
RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield and District Branch
Press Release
“Catnapped 2014”
in support of the
The RSPCA Inspector Andy Thompson Memorial Cattery
Sunday August 3rd 2014
11.30 – 4 pm
The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield and District Branch Andy Thompson Memorial Cattery was opened in August 2004, it is now 10 years old. The Cattery was dedicated in memory of the late RSPCA Inspector Andy Thompson; the first residents though, were humans, who pledged to raise funds for the cattery by spending a night a cat pen.
To mark the 10th anniversary we are asking businesses to nominate a member of staff or individuals to nominate themselves to be catnapped and pledge to raise a minimum of £500 to be released.
The “Catnapped” will spend up to 4 hours in a cat cell, cuddling a cat or kittens; early release can be secured by payment of a ransom of £500 after a minimum of one hour, however there will be a trophy for the TOP CAT who raises the most amount of money and stays catnapped for the full 4 hours.
Those Catnapped can receive visits from their friends and colleagues during their stay and will be allowed the use of their mobile phone, tablet or laptop during the event to try to raise the required funding.
Each participant will have a sign displayed on their allocated cat cell advertising their business if appropriate. A fundraising pack will be sent to all applicants to assist with fundraising and a Virginmoneygiving.com page set up if required.
Kitty Cream Teas and Drinks will be served on release.
During the last 10 years the cattery has been packed to capacity with over 5500 feline residents who have enjoyed their stay before going on to find their own loving homes, have stayed only a few days, others months. Many have suffered previously, some in the hands of cruel owners, neglected and abused, before being rescued by the RSPCA, some have been born here; but the staff and volunteers have given them the TLC they needed, a warm bed, specialist feeding and veterinary attention if required and made their stay as comfortable as possible.
All of the above is thanks to the generosity and goodwill of the local community, the branch is an independent charity in its own right and therefore we have to raise all our own income to meet the expenditure of caring for the animals, so we hope you will take up our challenge and be “CATNAPPED”
This exciting event has already aroused a lot of interest so you need to reserve your cat cell early to avoid disappointment!! All you need to do is contact the Animal Centre on 01422 365628 or email and ask for a CATNAP application form and pledge to raise a minimum of £500 ransom and you could have your own private cat cell, shared with a feline friend.
We have just 18 luxury cat pens/cells available. Each resident will be allocated a cat cell on arrival.
Ends
If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact Julie Cockroft, Animal Centre Manager on 01422 365628 or Kath Airey, Hon. Trustee on 07796 543303
Background Information
Andy, originally from County Durham, joined the RSPCA in 1992, and after training was posted to West Yorkshire, he was committed to fighting animal cruelty. During his eight years with the Society he received several awards for his work including the RSPCA Elsie M.J. Evans Award, after volunteering in 1997 to spend six months as an army medic in Bosnia. He also earned the RSPCA’s Disaster Medal for his efforts to help hundreds of oiled sea birds following the Sea Empress disaster in Wales and was due to receive a bar to the medal for his efforts to re-home stray dogs in the aftermath of the Kosovan war.
Andy died in a tragic shooting accident on April 15th 2000, whilst taking part in Territorial Army activities, when his pistol malfunctioned during a shooting competition. Andy had been a TA soldier for 12 years, he was just 30 year old when he died, he is still greatly missed by everyone at the Halifax and District RSPCA. The Branch immediately decided to dedicate the new cattery to Andy.
In July 2001, Adam Rickett (ex Coronation Street actor, character Nick Tilsley) launched the appeal. Recently member of the boy band The 5th Story as featured on ITV2 the Big Reunion
Throughout 2001, 2002, and 2003 the Branch held a variety of fund raising events and activities. The Branch achieved their target in August 2003,
Planning permission was granted in February 2003.
Building work began in December 2003.
June 30th 2004 the original CAT NAP was held
The official opening took place on August 5th 2004
During the last 10 years the Cattery has been home to well over 5500 cats and kittens.
PROGRAM OF EVENTS
11.00 amArrival
Welcome
Champagne Cocktail
Tour of facilities
11.30Catnapped
Escorted to your Cat Cell
12.00 - 3.30pmVisitors allowed
Cuddling your feline mate(s)
12.30pm1st Release on Payment of Ransom
1.30 pm 2nd Release
2.30 pm3rd Release
3.30 pmEveryone Released
3.30pm Kitty Cream Tea
4.00pmPresentation of Trophy Celebration Drinks
4.15 pmDeparture and a Purr….. fect Ending