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06/11/2009 - RSPCA Officers Uncovered!
National RSPCA officers in the South and South West have bared all for a cheeky calendar in a bid to raise much-needed funds!
The first ever Society calendar to feature almost-naked RSPCA inspectors and other officers is the brainchild of RSPCA chief inspector John Pollock. He wanted to find an imaginative way of raising money for animal welfare at a time when the downturn in the economy means people may be more reluctant to donate.
Chief inspector Pollock, who is based in Taunton, Somerset, said: "We have all been set the task of thinking of fundraising initiatives and I have always had the thought that this could be a good fundraiser if done properly and tastefully.
"Research revealed the majority of charity calendars are bought by women at Christmas as stocking fillers, so we decided to use male officers as the models for this first one - and if they sell like hotcakes, then who knows what we will do next year?"
The calendar features ten officers, a mixture of inspectors and animal collection officers from across the South and South West, with the ‘models’ being drawn from Devon, Somerset, Bristol, Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Surrey.
Although some of the photographs feature animals, the aim of the calendar was to highlight the wide range of skills which RSPCA officers have, and to inform the public about the wide range of creatures and situations they deal with, including cliff and water rescues.
John said; "We were really keen to ensure the poses were tasteful. And we also wanted to showcase the range of skills our officers have, so we have included images of rope rescue, water rescues and working at heights as well as dealing with larger and more specialist animals like horses.”
RSPCA senior regional press officer Jo Barr, who ‘storyboarded’ the calendar, said: “Although there are already a number of charity ‘naked’ calendars produced every year, we felt this would be something very different. It gives our supporters a chance to buy something fun, and worlds apart from the typical animal calendar people might usually associate with the RSPCA.
“When you are a large respected organisation, and you embark on an unusual project like this there is always a concern that it may raise a few eyebrows.
“But the feel of the calendar is light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek and we hope that people will understand that it is all about raising funds and awareness of animal welfare at a time when fundraising is very challenging.”
As well as pictures - some of which include animals rescued by the RSPCA - each page of the calendar will include information about the work of the RSPCA in the South and South West and important information about common animal welfare problems and ways the public can help.
The calendar has been made possible thanks to the bravery of the volunteer models and the skills of Plymouth Evening Herald photographer Lucy Duvall who has given up her free time to take the photographs at no cost to the RSPCA.
The RSPCA has also been lucky enough to have the support of York-based printers Fulprint who are producing the calendars at a reduced rate in order to support the Society.
John added: “This whole project has been a great team effort and I take my hat off to everyone who has come forward to offer their services as models.”
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