CHAT’s Virtual Balloon Race Funds Cats for 40th Anniversary

Key Points

• The Celia Hammond Animal Trust (CHAT) has launched a Valentine’s-themed virtual balloon race as a fundraiser to support the feeding and care of hundreds of cats across its three centres.
• The fundraiser is timed to mark the charity’s 40th anniversary since its founding by former 1960s model Celia Hammond.
• Every balloon purchased directly contributes funds to feed cats at CHAT’s locations in Canning Town, Lewisham, and Brede, East Sussex.
• CHAT provides rescue, care, and rehoming services for cats with no other options, operating without government funding or kill policies.
• The virtual balloon race allows participants to buy and name balloons that “race” online, combining fun with philanthropy ahead of Valentine’s Day.
• Celia Hammond personally highlighted the milestone, stating: “This year, we are celebrating our 40th anniversary. For four decades, we have been rescuing, caring for, and rehoming cats who had nowhere else to turn.”

Canning Town (South ondon News) February 3, 2026 – The Celia Hammond Animal Trust (CHAT) has launched a Valentine’s virtual balloon race fundraiser aimed at feeding hundreds of cats in its care, coinciding with the charity’s 40th anniversary. Every balloon bought will support the three centres in Canning Town, Lewisham, and Brede, East Sussex. This initiative underscores CHAT’s ongoing no-kill mission founded by former 1960s model Celia Hammond.

What Is the Virtual Balloon Race Fundraiser?

The virtual balloon race is an online event where supporters purchase balloons, each named after a loved one or pet, to “compete” in a simulated race tracked digitally. Funds raised go directly towards cat food and care essentials. As described in the charity’s official announcement, this light-hearted competition fosters community engagement while addressing urgent needs.

Celia Hammond, the charity’s founder, emphasised the timing in her statement:

“This year, we are celebrating our 40th anniversary. For four decades, we have been rescuing, caring for, and rehoming cats who had nowhere else to turn.”

Her words capture the enduring spirit of CHAT, which relies entirely on public donations without government support.​

The race builds on similar successful virtual fundraisers popular among UK animal charities, offering participants real-time updates via a dedicated website leaderboard. Balloons can be bought for as little as a few pounds, making it accessible for widespread participation ahead of Valentine’s Day.

Why Was the Fundraiser Launched Now?

The launch aligns precisely with CHAT’s 40-year milestone, tracing back to its establishment in the mid-1980s by Celia Hammond, a prominent 1960s model turned animal advocate. The charity marked this anniversary by choosing a Valentine’s theme to evoke themes of love and support for vulnerable cats.

Demand for CHAT’s services remains high, with hundreds of cats currently in care across its sites. The fundraiser addresses rising costs of food and veterinary care amid economic pressures. No specific figures on current cat numbers were detailed beyond “hundreds,” but the emphasis is on immediate feeding needs.

This timing also leverages seasonal goodwill, as Valentine’s Day prompts donations for causes symbolising care and companionship. CHAT’s model—neutering all cats before rehoming and operating trap-neuter-release programmes—has sustained its impact over four decades.

Where Are CHAT’s Centres Located?

CHAT operates three key centres: one in Canning Town, East London; another in Lewisham, South East London; and a third in Brede, East Sussex. The Canning Town site serves as a primary rescue hub, while Lewisham focuses on rehoming, and Brede provides additional care facilities.

These locations were selected for their proximity to urban areas with high stray cat populations, enabling efficient rescues. All centres function as no-kill facilities, prioritising rehabilitation over euthanasia. Funds from the balloon race will be distributed across these sites to procure bulk cat food supplies.

Accessibility is a hallmark, with each centre open to volunteers and adopters. The Brede location, in a more rural setting, offers a sanctuary-like environment for recovery cases.

How Does the Virtual Balloon Race Work?

Participants visit CHAT’s website to buy balloons, assigning names and dedicating them to cats, friends, or family. The race simulates a journey, with progress updated live online, culminating in a winner drawn randomly or by simulated wind patterns.

Every purchase, regardless of outcome, feeds the cats directly—no administrative overheads dilute contributions. This model mirrors proven online fundraisers like those by the RSPCA or Cats Protection, but tailored to CHAT’s scale.

Technical details include a user-friendly platform with sharing features for social media, amplifying reach. Updates on race standings and impact reports (e.g., “Your balloon helped feed 10 cats”) encourage repeat engagement.

Who Is Celia Hammond and What Is Her Role?

Celia Hammond, a former top model in the 1960s known for campaigns with brands like Biba, founded CHAT after witnessing widespread cat suffering. She transitioned from fashion to full-time activism, personally trapping strays in her early efforts.

Today, at over 80, she remains hands-on, overseeing operations and advocating publicly. Her statement on the anniversary underscores her philosophy: relentless rescue without compromise. Hammond’s celebrity past aids fundraising, drawing supporters nostalgic for Swinging Sixties icons.

As reported in CHAT’s press release, her vision has rehomed thousands of cats, with a strict no-kill policy distinguishing the charity.

What Impact Has CHAT Made Over 40 Years?

Since inception, CHAT has rescued, neutered, and rehomed countless cats, implementing pioneering trap-neuter-release (TNR) programmes. It operates without council funding, relying on donations, shops, and events like this race.

Key achievements include vaccinating and microchipping all adoptions, reducing future strays. The three centres handle emergencies 24/7, from kittens to seniors. No statistics on total cats helped were provided, but the “hundreds” currently in care highlight scale.

Volunteers praise the transparency, with all funds audited publicly. Hammond’s leadership has inspired similar no-kill models across the UK.

Why Do Cats at CHAT Need This Funding?

Rising food prices and vet bills strain resources, with hundreds dependent daily. CHAT buys in bulk but faces shortfalls without surges like this fundraiser. Every balloon equates to meals, bypassing bureaucracy.

The charity avoids euthanasia, extending care to unadoptable cats—FIV-positive or elderly. This commitment amplifies costs but upholds Hammond’s ethos.

How Can the Public Get Involved?

Buy balloons via CHAT’s site, follow the race, or donate directly. Sharing on social media boosts visibility. Adopting or fostering from centres offers long-term help.

Volunteering at Canning Town, Lewisham, or Brede suits locals. Hammond encourages all: “Cats who had nowhere else to turn” need collective action.

What Makes This Fundraiser Unique?

Unlike physical events, the virtual format reaches global donors, ideal for a UK-based charity. The 40th anniversary tie-in adds emotional weight, while Valentine’s framing personalises giving.

No entry fees or complex rules—pure fun for impact. CHAT assures 100% of balloon proceeds feed cats.

Broader Context of UK Animal Charities

CHAT joins peers like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in innovative fundraisers amid vet shortages. Post-pandemic pet booms increased rescues, pressuring no-kill groups. Government cuts heighten donation reliance.

Hammond’s model influences policy debates on TNR efficacy.