Thursday 5 October 2023

CSL Cats Committee launches 2023 fundraising raffle campaign; bake sale planned

The Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee (CSLCC) has launched its annual fundraising raffle.

Funds raised will go towards the CSLCC’s Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt Program. There are many feral cats in the community. The CSLCC’s team of volunteers sets out to trap as many as possible, have them sterilized and then adopted or returned to the spot where they were originally found.  In the latter case, efforts are made to assist the feeders in the community. The committee has also rescued a many  kittens and found homes for them.  

The grand prize.

There are some terrific prizes up for grabs. Tickets cost $15 for one; $25 for two ; and $50 for five.  Two grand prizes are in the mix. First there is a  two night stay at the Embassy Suites in Old Montreal (The Presidential Suite!). This package includes parking, a  made to order  full breakfast for two people and a welcome reception (for two). It is valued at more than $1,500. Some restrictions  may apply. Second is a gorgeous handcrafted, cat themed quilt by Montréal’s own Moishe Campbell. This is absolutely priceless. In order to be eligible for these two prizes, five or more tickets must be purchased.

 Among the other prizes are   delightful wine baskets with added goodies, wine and charcuterie board combinations and a gorgeous sterling silver, Rhodium plated "Moon Kitty" pendant with blue topaz heart, courtesy of Klinik Bijoux.

You can support the work of the committee by purchasing your tickets in one of two ways.

E transfer (preferred) to CSLcatraffle@gmail.com. Please make sure to put in the messsage line your name,  email address,  phone number, home address and the number  of tickets that you are purchasing. CFO Randi Kader  will email you the number(s) of your tickets.

If you would like to pay by cash or cheque, please contact   Diane Liebling, either by messenger or phone (514-236-2099). She   will make every effort to deliver the tickets to you or you can pick then up.

Ticket sales will continue  through November with the draw taking place  on December 1, 2023.

“This has been a very challenging year and we are counting on your continued support,” said Committee Chair Diane Liebling. Every rescue is trying to raise much needed funds and they are all worthwhile causes. Please include us in your donation choices as we try to better the lives of the most vulnerable among us.”

Liebling and Kader are joined by Malka Labow and Ronnie Roter  on the organizing committee.


Meanwhile, the committee will also organize a bake sale on Saturday, October 21 (Noon to 4 pm) at the Côte Saint-Luc City Hall Harold Greenspon Auditorium (5801 Cavendish) during the Used Book Sale.


Thursday 24 November 2022

A beautiful story about the world's oldest cat

Guinness World Records, the global authority on record breaking, announces today, in conjunction with Cats Protection, that Flossie from London is the world’s oldest cat at 26 years and 316 days old as of November 10, 2022.

Does this tortie look 26?

Flossie was given a new lease in life when the UK’s leading cat rescue shelter matched her to a loving new home after she came into their care. What her new owner couldn’t have known was that she was giving sanctuary to a record breaker.

It’s a heartwarming final chapter to the story of a cat that had previously remained in the same extended family since being homed as a young stray in 1995. Flossie had been living in a colony of cats near a hospital, when two workers took pity on them, and each homed a cat.

They lived together for 10 years until the owner died and Flossie was taken in by her sister, who had her for 14 more happy years, until she too passed away. Flossie then lived with the woman’s son, until his situation led him to make the difficult decision to relinquish the family cat to volunteers at Cats Protection, who found her a new home with Vicki Green.

Vicki, who had experience of caring for senior felines, said Flossie is an “amazing cat”, who has settled in well, and now sleeps “snuggled on the bed” with her.

Craig Glenday, Editor in Chief at Guinness World Records said: "We were so excited to hear about the lovely Flossie and celebrate her long life - it’s not every day you come across a cat who has been around since the mid-nineties. This is the human equivalent of over 120 years old, which would put her on par with Jeanne Calment, the French supercentenarian who lived to 122 years 164 days and holds the record for the oldest person ever. We're happy to see Flossie settled and enjoying all the home comforts she deserves in her later life. A huge congratulations to Flossie, a highly deserving record-breaker."

Vicki said: “I knew from the start that Flossie was a special cat, but I didn’t imagine I’d share my home with a Guinness World Records title holder. She’s so affectionate and playful, especially sweet when you remember how old she is.

“She’s deaf and with failing eyesight but none of that seems to bother her. She’s completely with it, loves affection and has a very good appetite. She never turns her nose up at the chance of a good meal, except when she’s s snuggled on her favourite yellow blanket.”

Cats Protection Branch Co-ordinator Naomi Rosling said: “We were flabbergasted when vet records showed Flossie to be nearly 27 years old. She’s the oldest cat I've ever met; at least 120 in human years. If I’m in such good shape when I'm her age, with someone who does what’s best for me when I need it most, I shall be a very happy lady.”

The previous oldest cat living was Corduroy who was 26 years 300 days old.


Monday 25 October 2021

Tickets for the CSL Cats Committee's fantastic raffle are available until the draw in December

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee (CSLCC) had to cancel its annual benefit concert for the second year in a row. In its place once again is a virtual presentation to formally promote our raffle.

The committee assists homeless cats like this one.

The virtual show  took place on Saturday, October 9, featuring celebrated composer, pianist and singer Edwin Orion Brownell.   Edwin has gained notice since the start of the pandemic for his Facebook live concerts for various causes.

You can view the concert here.

Edwin Orion Brownell

Côte Saint-Luc City Councillor Mike Cohen, responsible for Animal Protection, wishes to thank D'Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum who has helped kick start the committee's fundraising campaign with a generous contribution.

Funds raised will go towards the CSLCC’s Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt Program. There are many feral cats in the community. The CSLCC’s team of volunteers sets out to trap as many as possible, have them sterilized and then adopted or returned to the spot where they were originally found.  In the latter case, efforts are made to assist the feeders of outdoor cats in the community. The committee has also rescued a number of kittens and found homes for them.   


Here is a message from our Raffle Committee

Due to the phenomenal success of our 2020 online raffle, we are pleased to announce that our 2021 raffle tickets are now available for purchase.

If you thought last year's prizes were great, this year's are even better including a stay at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Old Montreal, a designer blanket by Moishe Campbell, a stunning painting by Katherine  Meritakis, appliances and more. We will once again be featuring themed gift baskets and stand-alone prizes such as  movie tickets, restaurants gift certificates. The latter includes Foodtastic, thumbrella for the following restaurants:  La Belle et La Boeuf, Carlos & Pepes, Souvlaki Bar, Nickels Deli, Bacaro Pizzeria, Monza, Au Coq , La Chambre, Gatto Matto, Chocolato, L’Gros Luxe, LooKoo, Tommy Café and Big Rig

 In addition, we will be adding several more grand prizes to this year’s list. The more tickets you purchase, the more chances you have of winning. 

The Raffle drawing will take place in December 2021

Single tickets: $15

Purchase of two or more tickets at $10  a ticket (each ticket will be entered into the grand prize draw)

Etransfer to: CSLcatraffle@gmail.com (no security question required).

 In the message, please indicate # of tickets, your name, home address, email address and phone number. A confirmation of purchase and ticket numbers will be sent to you by return email. Questions pertaining to the raffle can be addressed to the above email address.

For cash and cheque purchases, please contact Diane Liebling at 514-236-2099

Thanks once again for your support:

Committee Members:

Malka Labow (Chair)

Diane Liebling (Cats Committee Chair)

Randi Kader

Ronnie Roter


 

 

Monday 12 October 2020

Thursday evening, October 22 : Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee plans Virtual Variety Show

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee (CSLCC) had to cancel its annual benefit concert. In its place will be a virtual variety show and a raffle.

A beautiful suite at the Ritz is one of the grand prizes.
 
The variety show will be broadcast live on Thursday, October 22 at 7:30 pm at www.facebook.com/cotesaintluc. It will also be premiered at www.YouTube.com/cotesaintluc at the same time. As for the raffle, items up for grabs will be posted at www.cotesaintluc.org/catscommittee  as of Monday, November 2. They include a Ritz-Carlton Hotel package valued at $1,000, a dinner at Petros Taverna, a nine piece comforter set from Megavente Entrepots, a handmade quilt from Moishe Campbell, items from Ben and Tournesol boutique,   a selection of gift baskets, wine, champagne, jewelry, pet food and a gift certificate from Little Bear in Westmount and Hagen Pet Supplies and much more. Tickets will be $10 each and available for purchase via  etransfer at CSLcatraffle@gmail.com. Anyone who buys two tickets will be entered into the draw for the grand prizes.

Côte Saint-Luc City Councillor Mike Cohen, responsible for Animal Protection, notes that the video presentation will include musical performances from Nick Burgess (and his cat), Alexandra Cohen, String Katz and The Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra. Some local media and their cats make cameo appearances: Charli Paige from Virgin Radio, Dan Spector from Global TV and Dave Kaufman from CJAD.  Internationally acclaimed standup comic Andy Kindler even talks about his love for cats. D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA and event sponsor David Birnbaum, Côte Saint-Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein and Mount Royal Liberal Member of Parliament Anthony Housefather bring words of welcome. Viewers will also learn more about the exceptional raffle from CSL Cats Committee Chair Diane Liebling and Raffle Chair Malka Labow, in conversation with event emcees Cohen and Danielle Belanger of the CSL Public Library.

We make sure cats like this find a home.  

Funds raised will go towards the CSLCC’s Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt Program. There are many feral cats in the community. The CSLCC’s team of volunteers sets out to trap as many as possible, have them sterilized and then adopted or returned to the spot where they were originally found.  In the latter case, efforts are made to assist the feeders of outdoor cats in the community. The committee has also rescued a number of kittens and found homes for them.   

The event is being dedicated to Donald Adeles, an original member of the committee who passed away recently.

Here is a look at some of the raffle prizes 


The Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee 2020 Raffle

Like most organizations that count on donations to keep going, our Côte Saint-Luc’s Cats Committee  has had to adjust in order to maintain our mission of Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt. That is why we are announcing this very special and crucial fundraising  raffle, which will take place from November 1 to December 1

Tickets are $10 each. They can be purchased via etransfer at CSLcatraffle@gmail.com or by calling  514-485-6800 ext. (CATS) 2287. Thanks to our committee of Malka Labow (chair), Randi Kader, Ronnie Roter and Diane Liebling. We also wish to extend appreciation to the administrators of 6700 The Avenue for allowing us to set up a small office of operations.

Grand Prizes (You must purchase at least two tickets to qualify)

A one night stay in a one-bedroom suite and breakfast for two at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Value of $1,000 

(This gift certificate is valid until October 2021, upon availability and may not be extended past this expiry date.  Not applicable during Valentine’s Day, other special occasions, long-holiday weekends & Grand Prix Formula 1 Race.  Reservation must be made in advance; certificate will not be accepted otherwise.  Non-redeemable for cash and non-transferable to another hotel property.  The certificate must be used in one visit. If applicable, a tax receipt can be sent to: Hotel R.C.M. Inc., 1228 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal QC H3G 1H6. The only hotel in Quebec to be granted the CAA/AAA’s prestigious Five Diamond Award, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal has also been named U.S. News & World Report and Travel & Leisure “Best Hotel in Canada.” This historic hotel has been the most elegant address in the city since its opening in 1912 and is conveniently located in the Golden Square Mile, near many high-end boutiques, galleries and museums, as well as the city's best fine-dining and cultural establishments.  The property’s 96 guest rooms and 33 suites feature the latest in high-tech amenities and have been redesigned with the utmost in luxury and comfort in mind. Details from the original 1912 hotel abound to accentuate its seamless mixture of old and new.

A gorgeous handcrafted quilt

Donated by Moishe Campbell

Beautiful painting of a rescue cat. .

Entitled Black Magic

Some of the other prizes

Nine Piece King Size Comforter Set

Donated by CSL Resident Marvin Oppen

See:  https://megaventemontreal.com/

Classic Wittnauer Women’s watch

Donated by anonymous.

 Two $50 Gift Certificates for  Petros Taverna Retaurants (Westmount, Laurier, Griffintown, LittleItaly)-

Gift Certicate

Donated by J & R Kosher

Wine and champagne themed baskets 

Cornucopia Baskets,

Spa and beauty baskets 

Family night baskets 

Kosher treat baskets

Annie Young Gift Certificate

$50 gift certificate

Donated by IGA Peter Lipari

Fabulous cat care products- carriers, drinking fountains, toys, litter boxes, etc.

Donated by Hagen Industries

Beautiful gift basket

Donated by Ben and Tournesol

$50 gift certificate and cat toys and supplies

Donated by Little Bear Animalerie 

Three  rustic picture frames

Donated by David Catriel - Offshoot Creations 

Four  fabulous COVID- friendly baskets

Donated by Pharmaprix Cavendish, David Banon and Sarah Ettedgui (Special thanks to manager Ian Campbell)

Wine glasses

Cat-themed jigsaw puzzles

Donated by Jigsaw Jungle, Robert Vineberg

https://jigsawjungle.com/ 

Our Mission Continues

During these unprecedented times, the committee’s volunteers continue to function in very much the same way: we are trapping;   making shelters; picking up kittens  and social/abandoned cats and finding them homes; giving out literally hundreds of pounds of cat food to people who lost their jobs due to COVID-19, as well as to feeders who take care of large colonies.

While our annual fundraising concert had to cancelled, we are pleased to share with you a link to our Virtual Variety Show.

 We hope to resume our concert, bake sale, garage sale and other events next year.

For more information call 514-485-6806, ext. 2200 or log on to www.cotesaintluc.org/catscommittee.

Monday 17 August 2020

CÔTE SAINT-LUC CATS COMMITTEE ONLINE RAFFLE 2020

 



  

 

Raffle Committee Members

Malka Labow

Diane Liebling

Randi Kader

Ronnie Roter

 

 Every year, we hold a Benefit Concert, to help support the TNR program. The monies generated from this concert allow us to take care of outdoor feral cats in Côte Saint-Luc and beyond. Unfortunately, this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our  live concert is cancelled. However, we are excited to be bringing you an online variety show, launching on Thursday, October 22 at www.cotesaintluc.org/catscommittee and on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CSLTNR) where sponsors and donors will be recognized.

This fundraiser is so very instrumental in helping us to take care of the stray cats in our community.

Our dedicated volunteers spearheaded by C.S.L. City Councillor Mike Cohen, spend countless hours ensuring that the needs of these animals are met. We are notified when stray cats are roaming the streets and set up safe and cruelty-free traps in places where the cats often frequent. Even though it may take awhile to trap them, our volunteers are determined to give them a better life. While some cats are feral and unable to be rehomed, many of these cats are often abandoned. It is our mission, have them spayed or neutered, and then find them a fur-ever home. This fundraiser allows us to buy food and year-round shelters for feral cats to sleep who unfortunately wish to remain outdoors.

Since this is a vital source of lost revenue benefiting our feline friends, we are now working on an online YouTube event that will encompass musical talent, comedy routines and video messages from well-known Montrealers. In addition, last year, we held a very successful raffle and we are extremely grateful to all those merchants who donated items for this cause.

This year the raffle will be held online in the hopes of reaching a much larger audience than last year. We are once again counting on your support and hope that you will donate items of your choice to benefit this cause. We will be making themed gift baskets that are sure to delight our raffle participants.

We are all in this together!

We thank you for your much-needed support.

Sunday 27 October 2019

Broadway Hits and a great committee team effort highlight 2019 CSL Cats Committee Benefit Concert

A capacity crowd of well over 300 people attended the Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee’s (CSLCC) annual benefit concert on   October 24 at the Syd Wise Auditorium of the Wagar Adult Education Centre. Featured performers  for Broadway’s Greatest Hits were the Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Joseph Milo. There were also solo performances by soprano Olivia Charette-Hancinsky, baritone Burney Lieberman and saxophonist Gideon Vigderhaus.

Conductor Joseph Milo. (Photos by Rami Negev)

Funds raised will go towards the CSLCC’s Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt Program. There are many feral cats in the community. The CSLCC’s team of volunteers sets out to trap as many as possible, have them sterilized and then adopted or returned to the spot where they were originally found.  In the latter case, efforts are made to assist the feeders in the community. The committee has also rescued a number of  kittens and found homes for them.  


Councillor Mike Cohen, responsible for Animal Protection in the city, chaired the event. Diane Liebling is the chair of the CSL Cats Committee.  Fern Collier-Pereira once again organized a highly successful bake sale which supports the committee's program for outdoor feeders. Malka Labow, Ronnie Roter and Randi Kader introduced a new raffle,  with more than $3,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. Alexandra Cohen served as emcee.

The Expedia Cruise Ship Centres table.
Event sponsors were Expedia Cruise Ship Centres, with franchisee Sean Flynn; Gestion;  Elm Investments, Rozenblat Realty Group and Parkhaven Towers; and D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum.


Anthony Housefather, Mitchell Brownstein, Mitch Kujavsky and Mike Cohen.

Thanks to Liberal MP for Mount Royal Anthony Housefather, Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, Councillor Mitch Kujavsky and Chris Savard from the Office of David Birnbaum for their encouraging words. Chris presented a cheque of $500 from the committee from our MNA.

Chris Savard (left) presents a cheque from David Birnbaum.

Musicians of the World

The Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra (MWSO) was founded in 2006 by conductor  Milo and his wife Lucy Ravinsky. This one of a kind orchestra is composed of 55 musicians: about 80 percent of its members are from 15 countries around the world, while the remaining 20 percent are natives of Montreal who successfully facilitated the integration of the newcomers. They have been rehearsing at Côte Saint-Luc City Hall for many years and as part of the arrangement, they agree to perform a benefit concert once a year for the CSL Cats Committee. We are very grateful to Conductor Milo and his talented team!

The orchestra in action.
On this night they performed a beautiful array of Broadway hits from the likes of West Side Story, the Wizard of Oz, Les Miserables, Aladdin, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady and Fiddler on the Roof.

Olivia Charette-Hancinsky

Olivia Charette-Hancinsky
Olivia Charette-Hancinsky is a multi-talented Montreal soprano known for her “captivating stage presence,”  “sparkling upper register” and “extensive range”. She speaks seven languages and plays seven instruments. Olivia just completed her Bachelor’s degree in Classical Performance at McGill University under Professors Winston Purdy and Joanne Kolomyjec, receiving the Margaret Kalil award for “Vocal Excellence” (2018), and the “Tomlinson Award” (2018, 2019) for “advanced musicianship skills”. Her passion for performing started at the young age of three with piano, dancing and singing. Since then, she’s sung in a wide variety of concerts, ranging from Jazz & Big Band to Musicals and then opera. This led to performances on international stages such as Tel Aviv University Israel, Florence Italy, Salzburg Austria, Montreal & Los Angeles Jazz Festivals, Maison Symphonique, Oscar Peterson Hall, Queen Mary cruise ship, Frank Sinatra’s Estate, PBS TV New York and finally Carnegie Hall.


Olivia’s innate musicality inspired her to arrange, conduct and sing with a girls’ choir claiming second  place at the Heritage Fair in NYC. Similarly, she choreographed, arranged and conducted a boys’ team to 1st place in Montreal’s GLEE Competition. This led to being the youngest recipient of “Saint Lambert’s Cultural Personality Award.” She has played the title role of Marian Paroo in The Music Man, performed in A Chorus Line, sang in the North American premiere of James Garner’s Much Ado! and Die Zauberflöte, both directed by Patrick Hansen at McGill, and performed the role of Flora in Verdi’s La Traviata. Her latest appearances onstage were in Canada’s largest summer opera festival in Edmonton this year, where she performed in Cole Porter’s Kiss me Kate, and Benjamin Britten’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, while understudying for Tytania, the fairy queen.

Burney Lieberman

Burney Lieberman
Burney Lieberman is a long time performer of 32 years with the Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre. Burney sang with the Shaar Hashomayim Synagogue choir for 22 years, and is currently with the Chevra Kadisha Synagogue choir- directed by Joseph Milo.



Burney has performed in 2 major movies, one of which he is extremely proud, to have sung the Kol Nidre as cantor in “Enemies, A Love Story”, the other movie being, “Barney’s Version.” Burney is a professional photographer , providing his images to hotels and private collectors.

Fantastic Raffle

There was also a fantastic raffle. The grand prize was  a three night stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Old Montreal, with a fully cooked morning breakfast each day, evening receptions and dinner for two at the restaurant valued at $1,200. 

Alexandra Cohen, Ronnie Roter, Malka Labow and Randi Kader.
A number of beautiful paintings were available. Internationally recognized multimedia artist  Valeriya Khomar  donated a gorgeous painting of a menorah on a glass light box. It includes a functioning lamp, with light bulbs inside. Valeriya's true belief, her philosophy, is that through Art, unity among people becomes a reality. Her goal is to show that the universal language of Art brings individuals together, regardless of their upbringing.  Norma Nutkevitch was the lucky winner.  

Mike Cohen, Norma Nutkevitch and Valeriya Khomar.
 Other prizes, broken down into lots, were as follows:

Lot #1 Ben and Tournesol gift Basket
Lot #2 Stokes Gift Card, Spa Mani Pedi G.C, Golteez G.C (Gift Card)
Lot #3 Casablanca Florist G.C, Spa Mani Pedi G.C, Paragraph Books G. C
Lot #4 Stokes G.C, Foula Manicure, G.C, Paragraph Books G.C. 
Lot #5 Salon Carina G.C, Foula Manicure G.C, Spa Mani Pedi G.C
Lot #6 Billionaire Brows G.C, J and R Kosher G.C.  Mtl. Bagel G.C
Lot # 7 Foula Set of Acrylic Nails, Montreal bagel G.C
Lot #8 Avanti: Mani and Blow Dry G.C, Foula Mani G.C
Lot #9 2 Porcelain Cat mugs and plates, Mtl Bagel G.C
Lot #10 2 Hand Made Cat mugs, Foula Manicure G.C, Fruiterie Maruti G.C 
Lot #11 E Qulib Gift Bag   with spa cosmetics , Foula Manicure G. C
Lot #12 Little Bear gift Bag with 50$ G.C, Dermally Shampoo and Conditioner
Lot # 13  Two Paintings made by Frank Elekes
Lot # 14 Pharmaprix Gift Basket, Annie Young Gift Certificate

Recognizing Others For Supporting Our Event and Cause

We also wish to thank Shelley Schecter, Barbara Hilliker and the Côte Saint-Luc Hospital for Animals.

Thanks to our devoted fundraising committee.

This event could have never taken place without Janine West and her team at the CSL Public Library. They assumed responsibility for the concert last year.  Thanks to Danielle Belanger,  Lisa Milner, Justin Burnham and Farrah Mohammed as well as Maurizio Giobbi from Parks and Recreation, Wagar  Principal Nick Katalifos and his caretaking staff, sound man Jeffret Karkour, photographer Rami Negev, Darryl Levine, Regine Banon,  Ruth Farrugia and  our wonderful Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (VCOPs).




Tuesday 1 October 2019

CSL Cats Meow Concert will be all Broadway Hits: Fantastic raffle prizes up for grabs

The Côte Saint-Luc Cats Committee (CSLCC) will hold its annual benefit concert on Thursday, October 24 (7:30 p.m.) at the Syd Wise Auditorium (5785 Parkhaven) of the Wagar Adult Education Centre. Featured performers  for Broadway’s Greatest Hits will be the Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra (http://www.musiciansoftheworld.ca), conducted by Joseph Milo. Some members of his orchestra  will  also present solo performances by soprano Olivia Charette-Hancinsky, baritone Burney Lieberman and saxophonist Gideon Vigderhaus.



Funds raised will go towards the CSLCC’s Trap, Neuter, Release and Adopt Program. There are many feral cats in the community. The CSLCC’s team of volunteers sets out to trap as many as possible, have them sterilized and then adopted or returned to the spot where they were originally found.  In the latter case, efforts are made to assist the feeders in the community. The committee has also rescued a number of  kittens and found homes for them.  

Councillor Mike Cohen, responsible for Animal Protection in the city, notes that the concert will be an opportunity for people who love animals to enjoy an evening of fine music while contributing to a good cause.   He also wishes to announce that Expedia Cruise Ship Centres, with franchisee Sean Flynn; Gestion Elm, Rozenblat Realty Group and Parkhaven Towers; and D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA David Birnbaum,  will be the evening’s official sponsors.

Fantastic Raffle

There will also be a raffle. The grand prize will be a three night stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Old Montreal with a fully cooked morning breakfast each day, evening receptions and dinner for two at the restaurant. It is valued at $1,200. 


A number of beautiful paintings will be available. Internationally recognized multimedia artist  Valeriya Khomar  has donated a gorgeous painting of a menorah on a glass light box. It includes a functioning lamp, with light bulbs inside. Valeriya's true belief, her philosophy, is that through Art, unity among people becomes a reality. Her goal is to show that the universal language of Art brings individuals together, regardless of their upbringing. See the photo above.   

Musicians of the World

The Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra (MWSO) was founded in 2006 by conductor  Milo and his wife Lucy Ravinsky. This one of a kind orchestra is composed of 55 musicians: about 80 percent of its members are from 15 countries around the world, while the remaining 20 percent are natives of Montreal who successfully facilitated the integration of the newcomers. They have been rehearsing at Côte Saint-Luc City Hall for many years and as part of the arrangement, they agree to perform a benefit concert once a year for the CSL Cats Committee.

Tickets are only $15 each (tax included). A limited number of VIP reserved seats are available for $25.  Special prices can be arranged for groups. They can be purchased at the CSL Public Library (5851 Cavendish Boulevard) and  the Côte St. Luc Hospital for Animals (7930 Baily Road) on Baily Road. Tickets can be purchased at the library by credit and debit card or cash and cash only at the Animal Hospital.

Councillor  Cohen and event Co-Chair Councillor Mitch Kujavsky note that information will be available that night for people interested in possibly joining the committee or adopting a cat.  The committee will hold a bake sale before the concert and at intermission, with proceeds going to the outdoor cat feeding program. Diane Liebling chairs the CSL Cats Committee.   


The  event is being organized by the CSL Public Library.

Here is a link to last year's concert: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5Hbnlkxtw4

For more information call 514-485-6806, ext. 2200 or log on to www.cotesaintluc.org/catscommittee.

Here is a story that appeared in the Canadian Jewish News.