Friends of Animals

Christina Stylianides reports on the activities of Friends of Animals:

“Despite the fact that for International Animal Awareness Day, 4th October, Friends of Animals – Rethymno were unable to have any formal event, I’d like to mention that Nellie Zisimopoulo, the associations’ president, together with Kerenza Vlastou, gave a presentation on animal welfare at the 13th Primary School in the area of Mastaba, after receiving a report of animal cruelty. Nellie prepared and had copied leaflets for the children at the school which were given to the teachers after the presentation, to be handed out and discussed in the classroom. The same leaflet was given to the English language school, ‘Asimenia Featham’ to be handed out to the children in class, where discussions were held concerning animal care. It’s a small thing, but if we can reach the children, there is hope for animal welfare.”

“With the help of Cat-A-List, Friends of Animals became a member of WSPA, World Society for the Protection of Animals in July of this year. Since then, WSPA arranged for a workshop to be held in Rethymno, 26th, 27th and 28th October to cover all aspects of ‘Cat Control’: the aims being to be able to improve our skills and knowledge of feral cat control, trapping, neutering and releasing, and much more. Members from Friends of Animals – Rethymno, Cat-A-List and other groups from Heraklion and Kalives attended—a report on the workshop will be provided in the December issue of The Bugle.”

RED CROSS UPDATE

From Bob and Ev Wright: As reported in last month’s Bugle, negotiations have been underway in order to be able to give the Rethymnon Branch of The Red Cross a donation from the profits of the CIC Christmas Fair in Chania. The donation will be used to help their recently established Samaritan organisation (helping local victims of disasters such as fire and floods). The Secretary of the local Branch has provided us with a list of the equipment they would like purchased (please see letter below), the total cost of the equipment mentioned will be about 2000 euros. If the CIC fair is unable to meet all the costs, we hope that Rethymniotes will be able to make up the shortfall—maybe by holding a raffle? Bob and Ev Wright Villa Estia, P.O. Box 7791, Rethymno 74100, Crete, Greece. Tel. 0030 28310 71221, Mobile 0030 6947186679.
 

Here is the translation of the letter given to Bob by the Secretary of the Rethymnon Branch of the Red Cross, Fefi Valari: RED CROSS—RETHYMNON CHAPTER RETHYMNO 21/9/2007. NO. 121/07 Dear Friends In March 2007, the new training period for our chapter began. The Samaritan Corps always volunteer their services and actively participate in periods of catastrophic events such as earthquakes, fires, floods, big traffic accidents and other. Many branches of the Red Cross – almost all – call on the Samaritan Volunteer Corps because their training is multifaceted and their contribution to society precious. These Samaritan Volunteers Corps also cooperate with Government organizations such as the Prefecture’s Civil Protection Dept., the Municipalities, the Fire Brigade, the Coast Guard and the Army.	However, as you may gather, their need for equipment is great and the need for their services is greater. We would therefore appreciate very much, if your organization could purchase the following equipment: 1. Stretcher Basket type, Spencer Brand 2. Stretcher, Scoop type, of Aluminum 3. Two Big Pharmacy Bags, Spencer Brand 4. Two Aluminum 2 -liter Oxygen Tanks We thank you in advance for the interest and your support to our chapter, and we assure you that our Volunteering Corps will use your donation with love and sincere desire to contribute for the benefit of people in need in our country.   With Red Cross Regards
	The President S. Iliakis	The Secretary F. Valari