Banbury animal rescue group's online 'Cat Show' fundraiser brings ray of sunshine and hope during lockdown

The rescue centre is in lockdown at the moment, but they are still caring for cats and expecting an 'influx' at the end of the lockdown period.

The fundraiser 'Cat Show' was run through the charity's Facebook page, and included various categories from short-haired to long-haired and an overall Best in Show winner. More than 300 cats entered the online cat show, and some entered more than one category.

The event came as a 'ray of sunshine' during the lockdown to one of the cat owners who won a category.

Yasmin Matthews' cat, Teddy, won the Cheeky Youngsters category.

Yasmin said: "I was only introduced to BARKS recently by my mum, who entered her kitties as well.

"The world is such a different place at the moment, and community spirit is so essential. It's a time where support is vital, particularly to charities who rely on the kindness of others.

"Entering the cat show was an absolute no-brainer, an opportunity to raise some much-deserved cash for BARKS and to create a buzz amongst the crazy cat community.

"It's been amazing to see how many people have entered their cats and the kind words I have received from strangers has been such a ray of sunshine during these weird and wonderful times.

"I'm so glad I was introduced to BARKS, got a chance to enter this fabulous feline show, and feel very honoured that Teddy won his CATegory. A big thank you to BARKS for putting on the show for us all."

Each entry to the online Cat Show show came with a £1 donation. The cat show event raised £410 for the charity.

Theresa Grant, the deputy chair of the charity who runs their Bodicote rescue centre, said: "I came up with idea of doing a cat show online as I've seen quite a few dogs ones, but nobody was doing a cat one.

"I'm also looking at doing a rabbit, guinea pigs and small furries one in a couple of weeks."

The other winners included Leah Dorman's cat, Bella, won Best in Show and Best Oldie (10 years plus), Jo Allen's cat, James, won Best Long Haired Cat and was Reserve Best in Show, Stewart and Sally Hollyhead's cat, Honey, won the Best short hair category, Annabel Harrison's cat, an 11-year-old ginger called Sherman won the Best Tom category, and Daisy Kade Andrews' and my cat, Poppy, won the Beautiful Queen category.

For more information on how help BARKS see their website at the following link: https://www.barks.org.uk/donatesupportPeople can donate by Paypal to [email protected], by cheque to 47 Park End, Bodicote OX15 4DQ, or by direct transfer to Nat West: A/c B.A.R.K.S. A/c No 57097607 Sort code 60 01 35.

Banbury Animal Rescue and Kindness Service (BARKS) is a small, local, self-funding, volunteer-run local charity dedicated to the rescue, care and re-homing of cats, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and small rodents and covering Banbury and surrounding areas, extending into Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire.

They have been operating since 1986 and became a Registered Charity in 1997.

Bella's owner, Leah, said: "I have had Bella for over a year now and adopted her from BARKS. When Bella arrived at BARKS she was quite an angry cat and would often lash out at others. Due to the amazing work of the charity and an excellent foster home, she found a new lease of life and became the wonderful snuggly kitty she is now.

"We took part to give back to the wonderful charity that was patient with her through a difficult time in her life and to show off her beauty."

Honey's owners, Sally and Stewart Hollyhead, said: "Its been such fun entering our ginger lady Honey into the online charity cat show.

"BARKS created a fun way to remind us all to continue to support a charity that's close to all our hearts in these trying times."

James' owner, Jo Allen, said: "I entered both my BARKS kitties into the show because I knew it was going to be a fun online event, a chance for everyone to coo over all the cats and a unique fundraising opportunity too.

"I've been volunteering at BARKS for over two years now and have witnessed first hand the inspirational work Theresa and the other's do for all the animals in the area. They've helped so many and are a worthy cause."

Sherman's owner, Annabel Harrison, said: "BARKS means a lot to me as it was the first place I worked when I was 17, 20 years ago so always been close to my my heart.

"BARKS does a great job rehoming all the animals unwanted or passed on to them. I'm always happy to help donate when I can."

Popppy's owner, Daisy Kade Andrews, said: "We wanted to help BARKS and enter Poppy Cat as I have volunteered and seen first hand how hard they all work to keep the cats happy and well looked after at BARKS.

"They are doing such an amazing job in the current situation and deserve all the praise Theresa and the volunteers can get. A massive thank you from me and Poppy Cat to everyone at BARKS."

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