Family fun to fund felines

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Published on Thursday, August 18, 2016

Submitted Photo. Speck is a kitten that Cats TNR & Rescue found at one of their cat colonies in the Riding Mountain community. He had been abandoned at three weeks old, so the group rescued him and he has been pre-adopted already.

By Kira Paterson

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

The community of Riding Mountain is currently home to a large number of feral cats and Cats TNR & Rescue is doing what it can to remedy this. The organization currently has a project going on there, but needs more funds to support it. So, they are organizing a Family Fun Day on Sunday, Sept. 4, from 12 to 5 pm at the curling rink grounds in Riding Mountain. 

Cats TNR & Rescue is a non-profit organization based out of Neepawa, working to reduce the feral cat population in the surrounding area by way of trap, neuter and release (hence, TNR). The TNR method is the most humane way of preventing an increase in the feral cat population. The group also adopts out some of the more tame cats they come across, after neutering them and getting them up to date on shots. To date, they have helped 258 cats and kittens through TNR and rescue efforts. 

All of the money raised from the Family Fun Day will go directly to their work in Riding Mountain. A family can buy children’s passports, which will give kids unlimited turns at each children’s activity that will be set up and some treats. The activities include games, bouncy castles, pony rides, karaoke and cartoon or caricature drawings by Geordie Vincent. There will also be things for the whole family to take part in, including a photo booth from Cluett Photography, a cookie/cupcake walk, sparkle tattoos, a cake raffle, a farmers’ market and a barbecue throughout the day. 

“I think we will have a great day of fun,” said Brandi Falk, one of the event’s organizers. “Everyone is welcome to attend, there will be something for everyone.”

Cats TNR & Rescue is hoping to make this event an annual one, but it all depends on how many people come out. If it goes well, Falk said that they may even expand to have more entertainment planned next year. 

For those who want to help out in some way, there are a few ways to do it. Tables at the farmers’ market are still available, so anyone wanting to sell homemade, handmade or homegrown products can buy a table. They are also looking for some volunteers to help with set up and takedown, barbecues, supervising games or donating baking. 

Anyone interested in getting a market table or volunteering can contact Brandi Falk at 204-212-3115 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . More information on the different activities, prices, volunteering, etc. can be found on the Cats TNR & Rescue Facebook page under the events tab.

Don’t forget to mark the calendar and come out for some family fun to help a good, local cause.