For the second year in a row, Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) in Chatham-Kent is running its "Under One Roof" fundraising campaign.
This year PAWR has three objectives.
"To raise funds for our daily care requirements of all the abandoned and surrendered animals we keep under our roof," said volunteer Jennifer Clements. "We're looking also to replenish the emergency medical fund that we established last year. And we also want to advocate and educate Chatham-Kent on how we can all play a role in reducing the number of animals that find themselves in shelters like ours."
Last year they raised over $40,000, and they would like to beat that total this year. Clements said it cost about $90,000 a month to run the shelter's locations in Chatham and Wallaceburg.
"One of the biggest costs for us per month is our veterinary care. A lot of the animals do come into us and need to be looked at by a veterinarian, and also receive some medical care. So it does cost us about $15,000 a month just on veterinary care."
Clements added that they do get some funding from the municipality, but it only covers animal control services.
"That doesn't cover all of the costs of operating both locations and our veterinary costs, so fundraising really is key for us at this time of year."
On average, about 3,000 animals come through their doors every year, and right now they have over 300 animals. Clements said the volunteers and staff are the heart of the shelter and keep is going.
"They spend their days feeding the animals, cleaning cages, doing laundry, administering medications, transporting the animals, and most importantly, also giving them the loving care that these animals need."
The "Under One Roof" campaign will run until November 16. To volunteer with PAWR or to make a donation, visit their website, www.pawr.org, or give them a call at 226-996-9969.
