Cairns Cat Fosterer Saves Over 5000 Kittens Amid $12,000 Monthly Vet Bills
Cairns resident Diane Sloman has become a local legend for her extraordinary dedication to animal welfare, having fostered more than 5000 kittens over the past 13 years. Despite facing veterinary bills that can soar to $12,000 each month, Sloman remains committed to her mission, relying on community support and fundraising efforts to sustain her work.
A Lifelong Commitment to Feline Rescue
Sloman's journey into fostering began modestly when she adopted a kitten and discovered the possibility of becoming a foster carer. What started as a plan to care for 20 cats annually has transformed into a full-time endeavor, with her now taking in approximately 40 kittens every month. "We just got past our 5000th intake a month ago," Sloman reveals, highlighting the scale of her compassionate efforts.
Her role is demanding, requiring her to be on call 24/7 to assist stray kittens and support other foster carers during emergencies. "Getting up at 2am to feed the kittens is not so easy when you're getting older," she admits, acknowledging the physical toll of her work. The emotional challenges are equally significant, as she sometimes loses fragile kittens that weigh as little as 100 grams upon arrival.
Community Support Through Bunnings Fundraisers
To manage the substantial financial burden, Sloman organizes monthly fundraising barbecues at her local Bunnings Warehouse, which raise around $2500 each time. "We rely on our barbecues with Bunnings to pay a lot of our vet bills," she explains. These events have been a consistent source of support for five to six years, supplemented by craft stalls at seasonal markets like Christmas and Easter.
Despite these efforts, the costs remain daunting. "Last weekend we made about $2500 but our vet bills can be up to $12,000 a month, so we rely on many donations," Sloman notes. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed, earning her a nomination as a Bunnings Warehouse Community Legend, a testament to her impact on the Cairns community.
Luke Thurgate's Career Shift for Family Care
In a parallel story of sacrifice, Luke Thurgate made a life-altering decision to leave his high-paying construction job to care for his ailing parents. After 22 years in the scaffolding industry, where he managed large developments across Queensland, Thurgate re-evaluated his priorities when his mother was diagnosed with leukemia and his father's health declined.
"I just thought I needed to re-prioritise things when my mum got really sick," Thurgate recalls. He used his long service leave to transition into a groundsman role at Georgina Hostel and Aged Care in Brisbane's Morningside, where his father now resides as one of the few non-Indigenous residents in the primarily First Nations facility.
Finding Fulfillment in Community and Family
Thurgate describes his career change as "absolutely life-changing," emphasizing the importance of spending time with his wife and children. "I have found my place in life. I never want to leave here," he says, reflecting on his newfound purpose. The hostel benefits from community partnerships, including support from Bunnings Cannon Hill, which has assisted with gardening projects and shown respect for the elders.
Both stories underscore the power of community and personal sacrifice. Sloman's unwavering commitment to animal rescue and Thurgate's dedication to family care illustrate how individuals can make profound differences through compassion and resilience, supported by local initiatives like those from Bunnings.
