Welcome to our fundraiser – we are Friends of the Pound (Tweed) Inc. , a dedicated animal rescue organization based in Tweed Heads South, New South Wales, Australia. Since our inception in 2000, our mission has been to rescue and rehome as many cats and dogs as possible from the Tweed Shire Pound. Over the years, we have saved thousands of animals and provided them with loving homes. Today, we face new challenges and need your help to continue our mission.

Background
In 2018, the Tweed Shire Pound closed, forcing us to open an adoption centre in Prospero Street, Murwillumbah in 2020. Despite facing two devastating floods, we managed to keep all our cats safe during these traumatic events. However, our organization now faces additional challenges due to the rise in homelessness, the lack of affordable housing, and landlords’ reluctance to allow pets. These factors have significantly increased the number of surrendered pets, putting an enormous strain on our resources.

Additionally, the construction of the new Tweed Shire Pound is likely to take 18 months or more, further exacerbating the situation. With our Prospero Street cat adoption center closing, we urgently need to accommodate the cats from Murwillumbah in our main adoption center in Tweed Heads South.

Purpose of the Campaign
Our goal is to raise a total of $61,888 towards our purchase of comfortable and safe cat condominiums (condos) for our main adoption center – that’s $7736 per condo. These condos are essential to provide a suitable living environment for our rescue cats while they await their forever homes. We’ve secured 8 condos in total, so any additional funds raised will be used to purchase more condos, ensuring that all our cats have a comfortable place to stay. Be sure to watch the video below which explains more about our campaign.

Why Cat Condos?
The cat condominiums we plan to purchase offer several benefits:

Visually Pleasing: The design is attractive and inviting for potential adopters.
Spacious: Each condo provides separate areas for litter, sleeping, and play, ensuring comfort for the cats.
Easy to Clean: Simplifies maintenance and keeps the environment sanitary.
Health Benefits: Enclosed on three sides, the condos reduce the spread of diseases like cat flu compared to collapsible dog crates.
Durability: Made from laminate, the condos are hard-wearing and resistant to damage, unlike melamine, which can swell, become odorous, and is less durable.
Flexibility: Each unit can house two cats separately or be joined to accommodate kittens, bonded cats, or a single cat needing more space.

Impact of Cramped Housing
Cats in cramped housing often experience high levels of stress, leading to health issues such as respiratory infections, digestive problems, and behavioral issues. The lack of space and mental stimulation can make these animals anxious and depressed. When cats face uncertain futures, the stress can be overwhelming, making it harder for them to relax and show their true personalities, which can delay or even prevent their adoption.

How You Can Make a Difference
By supporting our campaign, you are directly helping us provide a better environment for our rescue cats. Your contribution will make a significant difference in their lives while they wait for their forever homes. Every dollar raised will go towards the purchase and installation of these cat condos, ensuring that our rescue cats have the comfort and care they deserve.

Rewards for Donors

These rewards are a way for us to express our gratitude and to give back to those who help us achieve our mission. 

$5 – Postcard: Receive a postcard memento of our rescue animals.
$15 – Colouring Book: Get a copy of our rescues colouring book, featuring cats and dogs who’ve passed through our doors to their furever homes.
$55 – Social Media Shout-Out: Get a public thank you on our social media channels.
$300 – Name a Rescue Cat: Name one of our rescue cats and receive regular updates and photos.
$1,000 – Lifetime Supporter Package: Become a lifetime supporter with recognition on our website, exclusive updates, invitations to special events, and a premium rescue merchandise bundle.
$7500 – Cat Condo Dedication: Dedicate an entire cat condo in honor of a loved one, or your business, with a plaque and a special mention on our website.

Join us in making this project a reality. Together, we can provide a better future for our rescue cats and strengthen our community’s commitment to animal welfare. Thank you for your support!