VEKA Group fabricator and installer Everglade of Wythenshawe has completed a ‘pet project’ of building and fitting almost 30 PVC-U profile cat pens at the Society for Abandoned Animals (SAA).
Sharston-based Everglade was asked to work on the project after the charity in Sale received a series of ‘legacy donations’ from supporters who have named SAA in their wills, combined with two significant grants from larger charities. Everglade – who became a member of Independent Network this year – chose Matrix FS to build the completely bespoke set of animal pens, which cats can live in at the sanctuary until they are re-homed.
Deni Sirovica, co-owner at Everglade said: “We’re used to making home improvements in the area with our doors, windows and conservatories but this is the first time we’ve built and fit shelters for animals!
“It may seem like a strange choice to create animal pens in PVC-U but in fact it is a fantastic material for this type of structure. During fabrication, the VEKA profile we chose for the project is so good to work with as it can be customised to create the skeleton structure we need and fit flush into the space provided to promote a safe and sound environment for the cats that are going to live there.
“From a maintenance point of view, these frames couldn’t be easier to clean and will never need to be repainted like traditional timber, which will mean volunteers can spend their time more wisely, looking after the cats in their care and trying to find them new homes.”
Now in its 50th year, the Society for Abandoned Animals or SAA has had charity status since 1967. It cares for and re-homes cats and rabbits through financial support from fundraising and both private and corporate donations. All animals that come through the doors of the SAA receive a full health check and are vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being re-homed. Cats and rabbits can stay at the sanctuary for as long as it takes to find a new home and will never be put down through lack of interested adopters.
Sean Fogarty, from SAA said: “Everglade is well-known in the area for its fantastic work when it comes to windows & doors. As a charity, we of course, rely on fundraising and donations for projects like this, so it was important for us to get a quality product fabricated and fit to the highest standard, yet within our budget. That’s why we chose Everglade.
“Cats come to us for a variety of reasons and our priority is to get them to their ‘forever homes’ as soon as possible, but while they are here with us, we want them to be as content and comfortable as possible.
“The VEKA PVC-U pens will be fantastic as we can clean them easily – which is very important for cats as they don’t like to smell other animals in their home – plus with the windows, they can see what’s going on around them while still feeling safe.
“The wide windows also mean that visitors to the charity can see all the cats properly when they come to look for a new pet, which is brilliant when it comes to re-homing our ‘lodgers’.”
