ViFur idea, tell me watcha think!

[Veekahr]

Okay, so. I was just going through our youtube videos, ( http://www.youtube.com/user/Veekahr and also http://www.youtube.com/user/bcfurries ) and came up with an idea. Considering the security guard requested we get permission to suit up in the mall, why not make something of it - we could try and get permission to take donations for the BCSPCA while suiting?
That way, we could have a great time, not worry about security guards, and have a completely valid, and profitable reason to be strutting around in suits. I'm not expecting that we'd raise hundreds, of course, but it would be a kind gesture toward all the homeless and injured animals of BC. Give me your opinion, or any suggestions you may have! 

(I'm also trying to get together a team for the 2009 Paws for a Cause campaign, ask for info!)

[Tonk]

That is a great idea

[blue-vulpine]

Wonderful Idea! We should totaly look into this! :3

[Runemist]

I would have to wonder if we would need the SPCA's backing on that one, especially if we're going to be telling security about it and stuff. I mean, it's a great idea and I think it's wonderful, but for most people who are stupid and/or suspicious, who's to say that we aren't lying, and taking the money? Also, we'd sort of be "representing" the SPCA, which is why I thought of getting their support...you know, they'd have to approve us and stuff. Just a thought, I honestly am not sure how this stuff works.
As I said, though, great idea! I like it.

[Veekahr]

Well, I was thinking we could do it for Paws for a Cause. That way, we don't need permission, as it's a free-for-all fundraiser, and you sign up online. I do it every year. It would also be a great way to raise money for my team - and if anyone else makes teams, we can split the profit between us.  The pledge sheets and donations arent out until June 1st, though..

[AlanTabby]

Thats a really cute idea & would be a great public relations event for furries.  Keep us looking good & showing that we truely care for animals, not just sex in suits like most of the public thinks.

[Rain]

It's a delightful idea in theory, but in practice, I think you'll find more people going 'fucking furries' than donating money.

But hey, I don't expect much from the average person, so.

[Tonk]

It's a delightful idea in theory, but in practice, I think you'll find more people going 'fucking furries' than donating money.

But hey, I don't expect much from the average person, so.

Nobody has done that while we were suiting before to my knowledge.

[Ren]

Interesting idea. If it works out, may have to work on organizing a lower mainland equivalent (or several for people of the various areas of the lower mainland).

[Drewdle]

I don't know if going into other establishments in costume for the SPCA will work. The first problem stems from the internal politics in the BCSPCA itself. Fundraisers are usually organized by group committee. If the SPCA were to look up furs on the Internet, do you think (regardless of whether our representation is accurate or not) they would be willing to associate with us, especially when you consider parts of the fandom that revolve around bestiality/plushophila. Again, I know as well as the rest of us do what a small percentage of the fandom is involved in those interests, but even the fact that we associate with those people might be enough for them to say no. Can you imagine the controversy it would cause if CTV or another local news provider put a spin on us? It wouldn't take long for it to blow up in all the wrong ways.

Secondly, and less importantly, most commercial establishments (like malls, hotels, etc) are very selective when they allow charitable organizations in the door. They see it primarily as a nuisance and monetary drain on their customers, to be quite frank, unless said charitable institution is already in league somehow with the company. It's sad, but it is and always likely will be business needs first.

Now, that's not to say I don't support the idea. I think collecting donations for the SPCA is an excellent idea. However, I think we should limit it to collecting donations at cons and furmeets for the SPCA, and bring said donations to them locally. Those donations don't have to be money either; food and pet toys are always in demand as well.  So in closing, I don't think we should canvas for the SPCA, because it could have ramifications for both us and them, and would be difficult to arrange with malls and other entities. But I do think we can make a difference by donating.

[Veekahr]

Noone has ever recognized us as furries while suiting, to my knowledge. It's that knowledge that gave me the idea, as people would recognize us as mascots for the SPCA, and not "fucking furries". We wouldnt necessarily have to be in the mall, either.. we could just go around town?

[Pixel]

Noone has ever recognized us as furries while suiting, to my knowledge. It's that knowledge that gave me the idea, as people would recognize us as mascots for the SPCA, and not "fucking furries". We wouldnt necessarily have to be in the mall, either.. we could just go around town?

.... Brilliant. FUND IT!

[Drewdle]

Noone has ever recognized us as furries while suiting, to my knowledge. It's that knowledge that gave me the idea, as people would recognize us as mascots for the SPCA, and not "fucking furries". We wouldnt necessarily have to be in the mall, either.. we could just go around town?

We could indeed do that. I was making the assumption that, because we had suited in the mall before, we'd be going there again, but that doesn't necessarily have to be the case. We could go down to the waterfront (5 minutes from the hotel) and walk around. It would be pretty awesome.

Nobody has *said* anything about us being furries; that's not to say we haven't been recognized as such. We would have to tell the SPCA that we were, in fact, furries, for the sake of being honest anyways. I'm sure it wouldn't be a big problem, I was just concerned with a few of the details.

If we can get their support, I'd totally enjoy that.