On December 10, 11, and 18, between 2pm – 5pm, a group of local volunteers are hosting a special
family event to celebrate the joy of pets at Christmas and support Sheltered Paws, the Strathcona
County cat shelter in Sherwood Park.
Families can bring their special feline to local business, The Busy Backyard Beaver to meet Mr. & Mrs.
Claus! Appointments will be scheduled to prevent long wait lines and ensure a healthy environment for
the cats. All photo sessions can be booked at 780-340-7427 for a small fee. There will be hot chocolate
and Christmas cookies as well as a silent auction. Families can take their own pictures or ask the
professional photographer who will be there to take a keepsake photo.
Local organizer Anna Pandos is passionate about cats. She created this event to bring cats and their
families to Santa. All proceeds will be given to the Strathcona County cat shelter. Anna noted that they
also do have a few positions still open for volunteer elves.
For over ten years the Thomson family, local business owners Dennis and Geeske have been bringing joy
to families at Christmas time. Mr. and Mrs. Clause have been active through Sherwood Park and the
region at the Christmas Bureau, Festival of Trees, Scouting, Farmers Markets. They have also made
several personal appearances at residences, senior complexes, and hospitals often joined by their son,
Elf Jordan bringing smiles to kids and kids at heart.
Proceeds from this event will be given to the Strathcona County cat shelter, Sheltered Paws. The intent
is to help injured, abandoned, unwanted, and homeless cats in our community. The Greater Edmonton
Animal Rescue Society (GEARS) manages our shelter with a passionate team of Strathcona County
volunteers. This non-profit organization relies on a community network of commercial and private
donors, volunteers and foster homes working together to give companion animals a second chance at
their forever family.
Donations of cat food, litter and supplies and the silent auction can be left at The Busy Backyard Beaver
174 Sioux Road in Sherwood Park throughout December. Bookings can be made at 780-340-7427. For
more details on this event please call 780-467-5799.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Anna Pandos 780-340-7427 Roxanne Carr 780.340.1604
Anna.pandos@gmail.com rpcarr@shaw.ca
