Repurpose for a “Purrpose” Benefits For The Love of Cats

When it comes to helping local cats, sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands. Or in this case, paws. Franklin the cat was front and center at a fantastic fundraiser benefiting For The Love of Cats. Sue St. Hilaire, with help from husband Paul, take household items like glass bowls, platters, china, pottery and vases that are donated or found at garage sales and repurpose them into everything from birdbaths and garden sculptures to tiered serving pieces and wall art. And that’s not all! Blankets and sweaters become pet beds and there are neckties and scarves to make Franklin and all his furry friends beautiful. All of the proceeds from these artful creations – yes, 100% - benefit For The Love of Cats. It’s repurposing for a “purrpose”. “Sue is such a wonderful proponent of ours,” said Jan Rich, For The Love of Cats founder, “and she is so creative with all these things. It’s just amazing how she puts them all together.”

For The Love of Cats has rescued over 6,000 cats during their 20 years on Marco as well as donating over 2,000 pounds of cat and dog food per month to local food pantries. For The Love of Cats goal is “to make a difference in the lives of Collier County’s cats.” Besides assisting low-income families and underserved communities, For The Love of Cats works in the community to Trap-Neuter-Return stray, community and feral cats, provide support programs and help older cats get adopted from shelters. That’s the story of senior cat Franklin, who was saved from being euthanized by Teresa Paradis of Live and Let Live Rescue and Sanctuary in New Hampshire. Now Franklin has a paw-some life with the St. Hilaire’s, stealing the hearts of everyone he meets.

So if you are looking for a unique handmade gift, or just want to add something special to your own home, visit For The Love of Cats booth at the Farmer’s Market. There is a photo album with all of Sue St. Hilaire’s available pieces and new ones are being added regularly. As Franklin would say, it’s a “feline good purr-chase” that’ll bring beauty and whimsy to your home.