THE SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS AUCKLAND INC.

For release: 30 September 2008

Animals And Humans To Celebrate SPCA Anniversary

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Creatures great and small will be singing, barking, meowing, clucking, chirruping, bleating and neighing to their hearts' content this coming Sunday (October 5th), when SPCA Auckland holds a special thanksgiving service to mark its 125th birthday.

As well as celebrating the Society's century and a quarter of working for Auckland's animals, the service will include the annual 'Blessing of the Animals', in honour of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and friend of all living things.

Dogs, cats, donkeys, calves, sheep, gerbils, chickens, ducks and members of more exotic species are all asked to bring at least one human with them to the magnificent, historic Church of St Matthew-in-the-City for what promises to be a memorably enjoyable family day out. For their part, humans are urged to bring a pooper-scooper with them.. just in case!

Joining the congregation will be singing sensation Elizabeth Marvelly, who is to give the first public performance of 'You're Always There for Me', a hauntingly, beautiful song, dedicated to those who love and look after other creatures. As Elizabeth sings, the congregation will be shown a poignant and moving, big screen compilation of photos, depicting SPCA staff and volunteers, along with the animals they care for.

The renowned Heaven Bent Gospel Choir will add a touch of joyful vibrato to the proceedings, which will also include the lighting of a Candle of Remembrance for animals who are no longer with us, as well as a rousing multi-species version of "All Things Bright and Beautiful".

The day's celebrations commence with a walk of animals and their human companions up Queen Street to St Matthews (commencing 11.45 am), led by bagpipes and accompanied by a fine assemblage of vintage motor vehicles.

"Every year, our Blessing of the Animals Service provides a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for the love and companionship we receive so unstintingly from the animals who share our lives and homes. It's also a fantastic opportunity to enjoy yourself in the company of other animal lovers of all ages," says SPCA Auckland's Chief Executive, Bob Kerridge.

"This year, however, the service has an important additional element as we will be giving thanks for the dedicated staff and tireless volunteers who have worked on behalf of Auckland's animals during the last 125 years. They've left us an amazing tradition of service that we're proud to be continuing," he says.

EDITORS & REPORTERS PLEASE NOTE

WHAT?

Special Thanksgiving Service for SPCA Auckland's 125th Anniversary PLUS the annual 'Blessing of the Animals' service

WHERE?

The Church of St Matthew-in-the-City, Federal Street, Auckland

WHEN?

Sunday 5th October (commencing 12.30 pm)

PLEASE NOTE:

The SPCA Thanksgiving Service will be preceded by a walk of animals and their owners up Queen Street to St Matthew-in-the-City, preceded by bagpipes and accompanied by vintage motor vehicles.

Participants in the walk are asked to assemble in Elizabeth Square (Downtown) at 11.30 am for an 11.45 start.

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