Hi, my name is Jackie and I founded Black Cat Rescue in 2001 and run it as my ‘hobby’ from my home I share with my husband, in a small village called North Duffield near Selby, Yorkshire. It is more than a hobby, it is my passion and I am committed to helping these animals a good home. I have successfully homed hundreds of cats and kittens during that time. I network with a variety of groups in both the voluntary and private sector in order to raise the profile of my organisation and to raise funds. I have built an excellent relationship with all three local newspapers that advertise all my events for free and run campaign articles when asked to do so. I single handedly raised enough food and donations through local businesses and cat loving individuals, to keep the shelter open for this period of time despite many personal difficulties.
I started a sponsorship scheme for many of the long stay residents to cover food costs and vet bills. I have also been lucky to recruit and manage a group of fantastic volunteers who clean the shelter and/or help out at fundraising events. I have persuaded local companies to assist with repairs/improvements to the shelter. In 2009, I was awarded a Community Pride Award for ‘Volunteer of the Year 2009’.
There is a great deal of superstition surrounding black cats. There is something about the colour black, that causes a 'blindness' to people when choosing a new pet, be it a kitten, cat or dog. This is of course ridiculous, black cats are brilliant pets and have always been lucky for me. In the sun, their fur is never really black either and their eyes range from brilliant green to golden yellow. All cats have their own unique personality... if you love cats, you won't see a colour.
I started a sponsorship scheme for many of the long stay residents to cover food costs and vet bills. I have also been lucky to recruit and manage a group of fantastic volunteers who clean the shelter and/or help out at fundraising events. I have persuaded local companies to assist with repairs/improvements to the shelter. In 2009, I was awarded a Community Pride Award for ‘Volunteer of the Year 2009’.
There is a great deal of superstition surrounding black cats. There is something about the colour black, that causes a 'blindness' to people when choosing a new pet, be it a kitten, cat or dog. This is of course ridiculous, black cats are brilliant pets and have always been lucky for me. In the sun, their fur is never really black either and their eyes range from brilliant green to golden yellow. All cats have their own unique personality... if you love cats, you won't see a colour.