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

For release: 18th September 2008

SPCA AUCKLAND TO MARK 125TH ANNIVERSARY IN STYLE

(See attachment for details)

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A trio of top-line events is planned for next month, when one of Auckland's
best-loved and most respected charities marks its 125th birthday.

SPCA Auckland will commence celebrations on Saturday 4TH October with a
formal, anniversary dinner for its supporters in the historic surroundings
of the Church of St Matthew-In-The-City. The gathering is to be hosted by
former 'NZ Idol' judge, Jackie Clark, and entertained by singing sensation,
Elizabeth Marvelly.

The celebrations return to St Matthew the following day for a special
thanksgiving service to acknowledge those who have contributed to the SPCA
during the last 125 years. The ceremony will also incorporate the 'Blessing
of the Animals' Service, held annually to mark the Feast of St Francis of
Assisi, Patron Saint of Animals.

The service is to be preceded by a march up Queen Street of animals and
accompanying humans. Joining the parade will be a stirring pipe band and an
impressive fleet of vintage motor vehicles.

Rounding-off the celebrations, on Sunday 12th October, will be "Tea in the
Tent", a gigantic, traditional afternoon tea party, which SPCA Auckland is
hosting primarily for its long- standing members, supporters and volunteers,
at the Society's Animal Village in Mangere.

Cucumber sandwiches, cupcakes, china tea, strawberries and champagne will
all be on the menu, served by "maids" dressed in Victorian pinafores, with
music provided both by a classical string quartet and by 1930s-style
crooner, Grant Chilcott. Also present will be some of the descendents of
prominent animal welfare pioneers, such as Henry Alder, SPCA Auckland's
first inspector.

"At all of these events, we will be recalling the generations of dedicated
and warm-hearted people who have contributed to our Society and to the
animals we serve," says SPCA Auckland's Chief Executive, Bob Kerridge.

"SPCA Auckland has been an integral and important part of the community
since colonial times and, as our country has grown and developed, so has the
SPCA, with our service becoming increasingly professional.

"One thing that hasn't changed, however, is our dedication to our core
values of compassion and concern for animals, derived in no small part from
the original Christian ethos of our founders," he says.

"We're convinced that we've helped make Auckland a better place for both
animals and humans. It's a job that we firmly intend to keep on doing," Mr
Kerridge adds.

ENDS

SEE ATTACHMENT FOR DETAILS
SPCA_125th_BROCHURE_FINAL.pdf

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