Victoria Fundraiser Celebrates Community Spirit Through Cat Contest

A unique fundraising initiative in Victoria, British Columbia, has successfully tapped into the charm of local cats to support a vital cause. The “cutest cat” contest, organized by Emily Fields, aimed to benefit the Solid Outreach Society, which provides harm-reduction services in the Greater Victoria area. This innovative fundraiser has not only showcased the beloved pets of the community but also exceeded financial expectations.

The idea for the contest came to Fields after witnessing the popularity of the Fernwood Catwalk, which inspired her to create a similar event. “I’m a huge supporter of harm-reduction, Indigenous-led and peer-centred initiatives,” Fields noted. Her professional background in mental health motivated her to find a way for the community to rally around a local organization that plays a crucial role in public health.

Launched in September 2023, the contest invited cat owners from the neighborhoods of Fernwood and North Park to submit their feline companions for a chance to be recognized as the area’s “cutest cat.” Participants paid a modest entry fee and provided photos and biographies of their pets. A total of 25 cats entered the competition, with community voting commencing on September 25. Each vote required a $1 pledge, allowing residents to support their favorite contenders.

As voting concluded on October 25, the results were announced on October 26 at Fernwood Square. Under a drizzly sky, Fields revealed the winners to an enthusiastic crowd. The top prize went to Juno, a notably plump tabby, while Penelope, a diminutive black cat described affectionately as “a little lump of coal,” secured second place. The third position was claimed by Fran, a chicken-loving “diva” known for her playful personality.

The fundraiser raised an impressive $1,943, significantly surpassing Fields’ initial goal of $500. “I wanted to keep the goal to myself,” she explained. “I was hoping to get four cats participating, but we ended up with so many.”

The community response humbled Fields, who expressed her intent to establish the contest as an annual tradition. Calendars featuring the winning cats are expected to be available by the end of November 2023. Fields emphasized the importance of community involvement in the success of the fundraiser. “It’s a pretty good chunk of money,” she stated. “But it’s also a reflection of contributions from so many people. It’s symbolic of our support as a community, which is what I wanted it to be.”

For those interested in purchasing the calendars or following updates on future events, more information can be found on the fundraiser’s Instagram page at instagram.com/cutestcatfernwood. This initiative has not only highlighted the affection for pets in the community but also reinforced the spirit of collaboration in supporting local health services.