By Mary Watson…….
The village green in Esentepe was buzzing on Saturday 21st July for the first Table Top sale organised to raise money to spay, neuter and worm local stray cats and dogs and fund their injections against distemper and other diseases.
The stalls were overflowing with books, CDs, clothes, soft furnishings and bric a brac and even as the boxes were being unpacked at 8.00a.m. the men of the village were enthusiastically hunting for something for their homes. During the day there was a steady stream of people, both local and expats, who came along to find a bargain and buy raffle tickets. Many also gave very generous donations as they appreciated the great work that Rob Astley and Carol Harrison are doing to help to keep the animals on the streets safe and give them a better life.
The small team of volunteers manned the stalls from 8.00 a.m. until 3.p.m. in blistering heat and were determined to get as much money as possible.
And it paid off. The day raised an amazing 3,560TL which was beyond everyone’s expectations.
Carol Harrison said ‘ Rob and I are completely overwhelmed by how successful the day has been and how much everyone seems to have enjoyed it. We presented all the money to the vet Niazi at Petline, who we use all the time, in the knowledge that this will make a significant contribution to our work. We are also delighted that the Turkish Cypriot community in the village are starting to support us. I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard on Saturday, those who gave raffle prizes and items for sale and, of course, everyone who came along to support us. We are planning to make it a monthly event, with the next one in August’.
Editors Note:
Below we have included a video of this great event by Graham Procter-Brown where Carol Harrison and Rob Astley tell us more of their quest to care for the animals on the streets.
