Community / Adventurous cat’s calendar raises paw-some amount for charity
NEARLY £3,000 has been raised for charity through sales of a calendar featuring pictures of a well-known local cat – with copies heading as far as Australia and the US.
The free-roaming Tommy – whose Facebook page has nearly 5,000 followers – starred in the annual calendar, which was sold in local shops.
A total of £2,300 has been raised for Shetland Foodbank, while £200 has gone to the local Cats Protection team.
A further £200 has been donated to Food For The Way, which looks after the Park Lane Community Garden – a favourite place for Tommy to visit.
Tommy has been a regular visitor to shops and establishments in Lerwick over the last few years, and photos of his adventurous exploits began appearing on social media.
In his younger days he was caught visiting the local police station and the ferry to nearby island Bressay, while he also sauntered on stage during a ballet rehearsal at the Garrison Theatre.
One particular favourite at the moment is the Lerwick pub the Thule – with the patron known to take a catnap on the bar despite all the noise around him.
Tommy is currently looked after by local council chief Maggie Sandison after his previous owner moved south.
“Tommy really has captured people’s hearts and it is fantastic to be able to use his popularity to support these local charities,” Sandison said.
“He has fans all over the world – his calendars are hanging on walls in Australia, America, Canada and Iceland.
“The pandemic has shrunk our outlook because we haven’t been able to connect in person or travel but it’s lovely to know Tommy can take a little bit of Shetland to his followers.”
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