SSPCA to hold charity food fair

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KUCHING: The Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) will hold its first ever Charity Food Fair 2010 at the Civic Centre on April 18 from 8am to 12pm.Funds raised from the fair will be used to sustain SSPCA’s programmes and services, and make a difference in the lives of hundreds of animals that are cared for at the shelter.

SSPCA fundraising committee member (public relations) Dona Wee said all proceeds would go to the shelter.

“To date we have 40 to 50 tables of goods for sale and also the shelter’s animals for adoption. We also have received donations of food items to be sold from Hilton Kuching, Grand Margherita, Riverside Majestic and Merdeka Palace,” she told a press conference at SSPCA’s Mile 6 1/2 shelter yesterday.

She said the target amount was around RM70,000.

“At the moment we are housing a total of 130 cats and 60 dogs, which need about 50kg of chicken meat and 20kg of dry food as well as medical care.

“These incur costs of up to RM13,000 a month and we need all the help we can get,” added Wee.

She also urged corporate companies, associations, school clubs, and individuals to help by either setting up a stall during the fair, selling tickets, or donating cash or items.

“SSPCA is calling for good, undamaged saleable items to be donated for the charity sale. Give it to us because your junk could be other people’s treasure,” she said.

Apart from food, items that can be donated include good condition second-hand clothes, trinkets, accessories, electrical items, household ware, books and toys.

Housing and Urban Development Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has been invited to open the food fair.

Meanwhile, SSPCA also announced the completion of its new cattery — a building to house cats. It was made possible through the donations of raw materials and labour by the 360 Hotel Group.

Wee said the new cattery consists of 10 new cages, which can each house up to 10 cats comfortably.

“Each cage has different ledges for the cats to be able to jump and play on, and to rest. We have already moved most of the cats from the old dilapidated cages.

“The next phase would be to seek public donations in cash and kind to upgrade and improve the existing dog cages, and the maternity and sick bay section of the shelter,” she said.

She hoped that the upgrade would materialise through generous donations from the public and also through the charity food fair.

Visit www.sspca.sara­wak.com.my for more infor­mation.