A feline fundraiser

By Lia Bichel
A GROUP of women who have saved thousands of cats in and around Greater Dandenong and Casey are holding a fundraiser this month – so they may be able to save more felines.
Doveton residents Andrea Shiozaki and her mother, and many of their friends, make up the BAST Cat Club, which rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes abandoned and stray cats.
The fundraiser will be at Noble Park RSL on 19 September and aims to raise funds to help the group provide homes, food and medicine for cats.
Ms Shiozaki said the group has about 200 cats, which were in desperate need of homes.
“We rescue them from whatever situation they are in, whether they are strayed or abused,” she said.
Ms Shiosaki has rescued a range of cats and desexes, microchips and vaccinates them before trying to find them homes.
She has rescued many which are ill and said she would never have them put down.
But saving the cats comes with a price, and members of the club pay for the care of the cats.
In March, Ms Shiosaki was declared bankrupt.
“One operation can cost $1200,” she said.
Twisties Scrumptious Smorgasbord, featuring lots of food and prizes, starts at 11am at the Noble Park RSL on Heatherton Road.
Entry consists of a fee which will go to the RSL to cover the cost of the food, and a can, box or bag of cat food.
Guests must RSVP by 10 September. For more information about the fundraiser, the BAST Cat Club or to adopt a cat, contact Andrea on 0425 712 753 or visit petrescue.com.au or www.bastcatclub.com.