An animal rescue charity was given a purfect gift by a local scout group who designed a Meowy Christmas card to raise money to help abandoned cats.

The card was created by 18 cubs from the 44th Croydon Air Scout Group based in Thornton Heath, with the help of artist Vân Dang who adopted a cat called Cody through the Evenstar charity from Quatar in July.

Vân suggested the idea of drawing cats for a Christmas card which was received by the group leader Pat Stannard and the Cubs with great enthusiasm. 

Despite all the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, there was no stopping their creative juices and in weekly ZOOM meetings with artistic guidance from Vân, the Cubs drew their cats and a photo of their drawing was sent to Van to work her magic. From a selection of designs created by Van, the Cubs voted on the best which can be purchased directly from www.evenstarcharity.com. 

Pat said: “We haven’t been able to meet face to face since lockdown but we have been having virtual fun and games and being inventive with doing our badgework. 

The production of the charity card goes towards the Cubs earning their Artist, Community Impact Stage 1 and their Teamwork badges. Well done to all of them for their enthusiasm and attendance.”

The Eventstar charity said: “We are so touched by the efforts from so many people in support of Paws In Need. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts – Vân, Pat, the parents, the carers and of course the Cubs.”

The Beavers and Scouts have also been meeting online since lockdown and doing some incredible sessions including a virtual visit from ‘Space Dave’ who owns a space centre in New Zealand and shared his knowledge
of space with the group. 

There were also visits from the Blue Cross charity and even a goat called ‘Elizabeth’ which was a big surprise for the Beavers!

Online activities included a Halloween Sparktacular with other local Scout Groups where everyone wore fancy dress and showed their pumpkin pictures with the highlights a magician doing a show.

For more information email:
croydon44thairscouts@outlook.com