When Lane Cove North local Linda Xu set out to test whether her family was ready for a pet, she discovered something even bigger: a love for fostering kittens and helping them find furever homes.
With guidance from Maggie’s Rescue and hands-on support from her case worker Laura/ Linda’s family has already fostered six cats and kittens.
They are inviting the community to see their current foster kitten this Sunday, 19th October 2025 between 10.00 am and 1.00 pm at their home at 619 Mowbray Road Lane Cove North and to help fundraise for Maggie’s Rescue. Note interaction limited – viewing only.
It’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions about fostering and to find out what fostering looks like for a local family.
Why is Linda’s Family Fundraising for Maggie’s Rescue?
Maggie’s Rescue is a foster-based organisation focused on rehoming, desexing, and community education. Their mission is simple: to find companion animals permanent, loving homes. “I’ve found Maggie’s Rescue—and my support person, Laura, extremely helpful, supportive, and thoughtful,” says Linda. That support made fostering feel achievable for the whole family. They look for homes for dogs and cats.
For Linda, fostering ticks all the boxes: helping animals in need, teaching her kids compassion, and giving their family a practical way to support cat rescue work in Lane Cove. “We fell in love with the idea of helping cats and kittens who needed a temporary home until they found their furever home.”
Saying goodbye isn’t always easy—especially for kids. “For me, it’s been okay,” Linda admits. “For the kids, it’s a little more difficult. We explain that we’ve helped care for these kittens until they’re less vulnerable and ready for their forever home” It’s a lesson in empathy, resilience, and the joy of seeing a cat truly thrive.
How Can Other Lane Cove Locals Foster?
Linda said it was easy to foster with Maggie’s Rescue. There are three simple steps:
- Fill out an online application form
- Watch a series of onboarding videos that cover animal safety, care and expectations
- Wait to be matched with an animal
You will receive ongoing support from a coordinator like Laura.
How can Lane Cove Locals Adopt and Provide a Furever Home?
Animals that are available for rescue will be listed on Maggie’s Rescue Instagram and Facebook page with a link to a Petrescue Listing.
Once you have found a pet that would suit you and your family, submit an adoption application. Maggie’s Rescue will organise checks and a meet and greet. If approved, get ready to welcome your new family member.
Meet the kittens at the $2 Popcorn Stall
This Sunday, 19th October 2025, Linda’s family is hosting a driveway fundraiser:
- Fresh popcorn (salted or unsalted): $2 a bag
- See some of their current foster kittens (supervised – no kitten cuddles)
- Bubble-gun machines for the kids
- Free animal-shaped cookie for the first 50 visitors to buy popcorn
Linda has also been fundraising for her children’s school – The International Chinese School at St Leonards. If you would like to donate, you are more than welcome to do so – there will be two piggy banks, one for each cause.
Linda’s children are so excited about this driveway fundraising day that they have made signs and helped with the cooking. They would love to see you there.
Date: 19 October 2025
Time: 10.30 to 1.00 pm or until sold out
Address: 619 Mowbray Road Lane Cove North
If You Buy Us A Coffee, it is, in fact, helping to pay the ITC Team
We want to clarify that, yes, the ITC team does support local businesses by drinking coffee, but there is a limit to the number of cups you can drink in a day.
We started the Buy Us A Coffee Campaign as a way to keep local news free and to grow our team. Our team is now comprised of three local mums who work part-time to bring you all the up-to-date news, traffic alerts, incidents, and events. We also now have Walkley Award Nominee Jack Kelly writing articles for us, as well as founder Jacky Barker. We truly appreciate any help you can provide, whether large or small.
How local journalism keeps communities engaged
Local newsrooms play a vital role in keeping communities informed and engaged with the decisions that affect them. Without dedicated coverage of local government, infrastructure, and policy changes, many residents are left uninformed about issues that significantly impact their daily lives. Independent newsrooms help bridge this gap, providing a trusted source of information and giving people a platform to voice concerns. Strong local reporting doesn’t just inform, it fosters public participation and strengthens civic engagement. – extract from the Local and Independent News Association Website
