We’re up ‘fur’ helping save Pets’ Corner

Oct 24 2008 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

COUNCILLORS take plenty of flak when things go wrong.

But you have to give praise where it’s due.

And not only did this pair give up their Saturday to support a worthy cause.

But they even dressed up in furry suits in Ayr High Street!

Councillor Bill Grant has a bit of previous, of course.

He was in a funny suit when the Pets’ Corner volunteers took to the streets of Prestwick recently.

And in his days as a firefighter, he was sometimes Welliphant, the fire safety mascot, as well as a Santa.

But Councillor Elaine Little is fairly new to this dressing-up malarkey.

There’s nothing new in her support for Pets’ Corner of course.

And she said: “I’m happy to work at this for as long as it takes.

“My family has enjoyed many, many happy Saturdays at Pets’ Corner.

“So I don’t mind giving up a few to help save it.”

Councillor Little added: “People may think Pets’ Corner is saved.

“But ongoing fundraising is vital to keep it in our community.”

Henry Pimentel, chairman of the Friends of Pets’ Corner group, is delighted to have the two councillors as hands-on supporters.

He said: “Bill and Elaine were two of the 23 volunteers we had out on Saturday.

“And we raised a wonderful £1200, thanks to the generosity of shoppers in Ayr Town Centre. That’s a great total, considering the weather was so bad and we’re in the middle of a credit squeeze.”

Mr Pimentel added: “Our next big fundraiser is bag-packing in Asda on Saturday, November 8.

“It will be great if we can get 20 or 30 people out to support us.”

If you can spare some time to get involved in the Pets’ Corner fundraising, contact Mr Pimentel on 01292 479110.