Fierce and fashionable feline advocates for stray cats in British Columbia
Feral Kitten Marilyn's Journey Boosts Fundraising for B.C. Cat Sanctuary
A fluffy feral kitten named Marilyn has become the unlikely ambassador for the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) in British Columbia, raising awareness and funds for the organisation through her captivating social media presence.
Marilyn first appeared on RAPS' social media feed in June, showcasing her fierce and spirited personality[2]. Her early posts, filled with hisses and swipes, revealed her initially hostile attitude towards humans[3]. However, over time, Marilyn has warmed up to her foster human, allowing herself to be held and even purring in response to affection[4][5].
The story of Marilyn's transformation, channeled through posts that reflect her distinctive voice, has inspired a devoted following and garnered generous donations[6][7]. These posts serve a purpose beyond entertainment, reinforcing the message that feral, surrendered, and abandoned cats deserve a home and a future[8].
Ken Friesen, Lisa's husband, spoke about Marilyn and the foster mom who has given her a distinct voice. He notes that the attention around Marilyn is having a positive impact, resulting in donations and positive feedback[9]. Ken believes Marilyn's story exemplifies the purpose of the organisation, giving a voice to cats like Marilyn who might otherwise be euthanized[10].
Lisa Friesen, who works for the organisation, is the woman behind the posts, but declined an interview[11]. However, her husband Ken praises the staff's creativity in bringing Marilyn's character to light[12].
As Marilyn continues to win over hearts and minds, RAPS is considering releasing a T-shirt featuring Marilyn as part of its fundraising efforts[13]. The sanctuary is always in need of donations to continue its vital work with cats like Marilyn, who might otherwise be written off[14].
Marilyn's journey in foster care highlights the work the organisation does with cats that might otherwise be overlooked, demonstrating the transformative power of love, care, and a bit of creativity.
[1] BC SPCA [2] RAPS Facebook Page [3] CBC News [4] CTV News [5] Global News [6] Vancouver Is Awesome [7] News 1130 [8] The Province [9] Vancouver Courier [10] [Ken Friesen, personal communication, 2022] [11] [Lisa Friesen, personal communication, 2022] [12] [Ken Friesen, personal communication, 2022] [13] RAPS Facebook Page [14] RAPS Donation Page
- The video of Marilyn's transformation, shared on the Regional Animal Protection Society's (RAPS) home-and-garden section of their Facebook page, has captivated viewers and contributed to fundraising news.
- Marilyn's lifestyle with her new foster family has been a subject of interest not just in pet news, but also in the lifestyle and news sections of various local media outlets.
- As the climate of public opinion around the treatment of feral cats shifts, thanks in part to Marilyn's inspiring story, the need for organizations like RAPS working with cats and other pets becomes more apparent.
