Celebrities back cruelty-free Christmas, 6 December 1998

Over 100 musicians, TV presenters, sports stars, actors and comedians, ranging from Sir Alan Ayckbourne to U2, have generously donated items to Animal Aid’s Christmas Celebrity Auction. The auction takes place as part of the national campaign group’s annual Christmas Without Cruelty Fayre, giving visitors the chance to bid for some really unique Christmas presents. All proceeds go to support Animal Aid’s campaigns against animal suffering.

As well as the specially signed t-shirts, posters, books, photos, videos and CDs, items on offer this year include a day at the filming studios of ITV’s The Bill, tickets to the stage version of Dr. Doolittle, and ‘Fluff’ – Sally Gunnell’s cuddly toy rabbit. Other contributors include Sir Anthony Hopkins, Sheryl Crow, David Baddiel, Anthea Turner, Melanie Sykes, Spike Milligan, Van Morrison and Michael Barrymore.

The Fayre itself will offer Christmas shoppers the chance to purchase cruelty-free, fair trade gifts from charities and ethical traders – and have a great day out at the same time. Goods on sale will include fair trade clothing and crafts, cosmetics and beauty products, vegetarian shoes & jackets and hand-made luxury chocolates – as well as seasonal essentials like Christmas cards and calendars.

Said Fayre organiser Mary Shephard,

“Many consumers are no longer willing to line the pockets of those high street traders who support environmentally destructive practices and cruel animal tests. Animal Aid’s Christmas Without Cruelty Fayre offers people the chance to enjoy their Christmas shopping – safe in the knowledge that their money will go directly to the charities, campaign groups and ethical traders who are trying to make a positive difference in the world.”

Included among over 35 exhibitors at the Fayre are Honesty Cosmetics, Vegetarian Shoes, Compassion in World Farming, Ethical Wares, Tales from the Earth, the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, the Environmental Investigation Agency, Viva! and Animal Aid itself. Weary shoppers will be able to relax in the vegetarian cafe, and kids can paint their favourite animals for the giant winter wildlife mural.

• Entrance: £1 (free for children under 11)
• Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm
• Vegetarian refreshments
• Children’s entertainment

Notes to Editors

More information: Mary Shephard 01732 364546