After a recent break-in at its shop in the Gardens shopping centre, animal charity Cat Rescue Dunedin (formerly Animal Rescue Network New Zealand) has been humbled by a wave of community support.
At Queen's Birthday weekend, thieves broke into the charity's fundraising second-hand store, at 33 North Rd. They stole cash and a phone, and left volunteers feeling vulnerable.
Since then, supporters had provided a temporary lock, fixed the door frame, and Beggs Security Group installed a secure new lock at the premises.
And this week, children's book author Julie Fawcett, of Port Chalmers, visited with starring characters Samoyed dog Angel-Louise and Merlin the ginger cat, to hand over a new security camera for the store.
The camera had been bought with profits from the books, she said.
Also visiting was local tradesman Dave Hare, from DIY Dave, who offered to install the camera for free.
Cat Rescue Dunedin co-ordinator Ana Andrianova said the community's response to the break-in had been "wonderful''.
"We are just so grateful for all the support.''
The organisation was still being overwhelmed with cats and kittens needing help.
"Even though it is winter, it just doesn't seem to be slowing down,'' Ms Andrianova said.
The charity was grateful to have been granted $10,000 by the Bendigo Valley Trust towards a car, to be used for transporting trapped cats. A vehicle had been bought from Cooke Howlison with the funds, she said.
The Cat Rescue Dunedin charity shop is operated by volunteers, and is open from 10am to 4pm on weekdays during the winter.
The organisation holds adoption days on the first Sunday of each month at Dunedin pet store Animal Attraction, in Crawford St.
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
BRENDA.HARWOOD @thestar.co.nz
