DEDHAM, MA — The Animal Rescue League of Boston holds its annual Kitten Shower fundraiser at its Dedham campus this weekend as it looks to gather donations and raise funds for the outdoor cat population that is strained statewide in the summer.
The event is scheduled for Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Rabe Family Education & Training Center, 10 Anna's Place, Dedham.
Summer is the busiest and most critical time of year for cats and kittens living outdoors. The ARL said those animals can face illness, injury and uncertainty, and the fundraiser is meant to give community members a way to help through donations and needed supplies.
The event will include an in-person Kitten Shower where people can donate, bring supplies, meet kittens and learn more about kitten season and community cats.
The ARL also said it is running a digital matching gift campaign of up to $20,000 through July 15.
The fundraiser comes as ARL reports continued demand tied to community cats across Massachusetts. According to the ARL, there are an estimated 700,000 community cats in Massachusetts, including 70,000 in Boston alone.
The ARL said it is the only large animal welfare organization in the state with a dedicated agent working with community cats.
Over the last five years, the ARL has seen a 15 percent increase in kitten intakes through its community cat program.
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