Camden, referred to as America’s most desperate city, is known for high crime rates, drugs use, poverty and unemployment, and it is here that Guardians of Rescue aims at having a positive influence on the city by helping feral cats and recognizing the compassionate people who care for them. In support of National Feral Caretakers Day, Guardians of Rescue and New Jersey Aid for Animals will head to Camden to distribute much needed food and shelters for Camden’s feral cats on Sunday, December 22nd at 11am at The FOP Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, located at 1137 Federal Street, Camden NJ.
Feral cats in Camden lead lives fraught with danger. Only 1 in 4 feral and street cats survive and in cities such as Camden, the number is even less. “Feral cats suffer from abuse, starvation, frigid temperatures and live in constant fear 24/7,” says Dori Scofield, Vice President of Guardians of Rescue, an organization based in New York whose mission is to protect the well-being of all animals. “There is little place to hide and find safe shelter in a city filled with blocks of abandoned homes, drugs, crime and general disregard for life. But for every evil action, there is an opposite and equal reaction of love and compassion, and this weekend, with New Jersey Aid for Animals, we will salute the brave, dedicated residents of this city, who care for the feral cats,” she says.
Guardians of Rescue designated “National Feral Cat Caretaker Day,” in honor of the many people that dedicate their lives to the estimated 70 million homeless, free roaming cats throughout the world. Guardians of Rescue and New Jersey Aid for Animals invite residents to join them to support the second annual National Feral Cat Caretakers Day. Any donation, no matter how small, can help save the life of an animal in need. Guardians of Rescue volunteers will also be accepting bags of cat food.
“We can have real impact and implement better solutions to this sad problem by working together within the community,” says Scofield. “Neutering, feeding and rescuing these homeless felines is certainly a positive step in the right direction. Utilizing and rewarding people who are also in need to make it all work just seems like the perfect match. For these programs to work, we depend on dedicated volunteers and donations, and so we are hoping for a great turnout of interested people in order to continue aiding those less fortunate,” she says.
Guardians of Rescue have a number of programs they are implementing to help the Camden community, including working with the homeless population in order to create a barter system that will help with animal rescue efforts. With this program, homeless people will be given meals and other assistance in exchange for their help in caring for the stray animals. To donate or to learn more about Guardians of Rescue, visit the site at www.guardiansofrescue.org.
