We frequently visit the tropical regions in which our products grow. Every time we do so, we are amazed and impressed by the richness of the scenery and nature, the fantastic colours and smells, and the uninhibited hospitality of the people. But there is another side to the coin: we also see poverty and squalor; we see the effects of natural disasters, and we see people living at constant risk of another catastrophe. We cannot close our eyes to this. Indeed, we feel committed to helping, which is why we have decided to set up the Catz Charity Foundation (CCF). We would like to tell you more about the CCF and its aims, in the hope of gaining your support.

Tsunami - The idea of the CCF was a direct response to the
devastating tsunami which struck South-east Asia on 26 December 2004. As you will recall, countless people were killed, towns and villages destroyed, entire communities torn apart. Everyone at Catz felt a great desire to help. The company immediately made funds available to support two projects in India and Sri Lanka through our local contacts.

Knowledge - This initiative coincided with the management’s
own desire to formalize the existing policy of support for charitable causes. Given the nature of our business, we are very much aware of the situation in the regions from which we derive our products and, ultimately, our profits. After all, these areas have been part of the Catz world for 150 years. We know how the people live; we have seen for ourselves the opportunities they could enjoy and the threats they must face. Sometimes, a relatively small amount is enough to launch a project which will change lives - or perhaps even save lives.

Desire - In 2006 Catz is celebrating its 150th anniversary. We are extremely proud of this and would like to mark this anniversary in a more constructive manner. It is not in our nature to spend money on fripperies. We would much rather make a significant contribution to the CCF. In fact, we shall do so not only in 2006, but will henceforth devote a proportion of our annual profits to the CCF each and every year in order to initiate and support worthwhile projects.

Action - The CCF will initiate or support community development projects in the countries from which we derive our products, including India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, China and Vietnam. These projects will improve the living conditions of the local population by means of new water and sanitation systems, schools, healthcare facilities, etc. One of the main criteria which the CCF will observe is that the entire amount of any financial contribution must be devoted to the projects, with no unnecessary overheads. This entails direct involvement in the projects, without intermediaries or administrators. We shall work exclusively with reliable project partners who are known to us personally. A number of Catz staff will devote their time to CCF administration on a voluntary basis. We shall publish an annual newsletter to inform our sponsors and
supporters about the various CCF projects.

Can we rely on your help?
The CCF has already met with many enthusiastic responses from our clients. We have therefore decided to ask those business associates who may be considering giving us an anniversary gift to do so in the form of a donation to the CCF. With your support, we can work on improving the lives of the people in the countries in which we do business. Together, we can make a contribution, albeit a modest one, towards a better world.

We thank you on behalf of Catz and all those who will benefit from the work of the Catz Charity Foundation.