Paw it forward: OSPCA Howliday campaigns helping pets and people in the Renfrew County community
There are many creatures stirring this holiday season, and some of those creatures need your help. Do you remember the amazing holiday campaigns the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre launched that I featured on Paws For Reaction? I reconnected with Heather Jobe, the Community Development Coordinator, to get an update on how their holiday season is going.
Paw it Forward
The team at the Animal Centre has been hard at work this holiday season trying to help as many animals as they can. Because of the impact that the pandemic has made on small businesses the Renfrew County OSPCA team decided that they needed to go above and beyond to support the community. Last month Heather told me all about their holiday campaign Paws to Support Local, which encouraged people to purchase an item, gift card, or service from a local small business and request it to be donated to the OSPCA for their online auction. The campaign was a huge success and they launched their Paw it Forward Howliday Auction on December 1st.
"We are thrilled with the response from the community to support local businesses through our Paw it Forward Howliday Auction," said Heather. "Not only have we had goodies purchased and donated, but we've had so many supporters and local businesses come forward offering to donate goodies!"
The Paws to Support Local spirit is still spreading, and because of that, the Animal Centre accepted donations right up until December 13th. Heather and the team set a goal to gather 100 items for their online auction.
"As of yesterday, we surpassed our goal of gathering 100 auction items to offer- and offers are still coming in daily for us to pick up auction items to include," Heather said. "We are overwhelmed by everyone's generosity, very grateful!"
All funds raised for the items online will go to helping animals at the Animal Centre. The in-person auction they host every year, Kibbles and Bids, is an entertaining event but it was impossible to do this year due to the pandemic. However, the online auction is still a lot of fun.
"The bidding has been great and generous, with a little friendly competition- all for the animals," she said.
The online auction features a variety of great products for pets, gift certificates, art, clothing, handmade items, and holiday goodies. There are so many items to bid on. It's clear that the community stepped up to support animals and family businesses.
"We are giving people an opportunity to give if they are able to, whether it's through donating something for the auction or bidding on all the neat items. We have something for everyone on your nice list," Heather said. "Two-legged or four-legged- we've got you covered!"
Finding fur-ever homes
No pet should be alone on Christmas morning- or any morning. That's why iAdopt for the Holidays is so important. Sponsored by Petplan pet insurance, this holiday adoption campaign runs until December 31, 2020, at participating SPCAs, humane societies, and rescue groups across Canada. Their goal for this holiday campaign is to find loving forever homes for as many animals as possible.
The Centre is still doing virtual introductions, allowing prospective pet owners to meet animals safely online. It's one of the many ways Heather and her team are innovating to adapt to the restrictions that Covid-19 has put on the community.
"Limited contact adoptions continue to thrive," Heather said. "Since iAdopt launched, 756 animals have found their forever homes across Ontario."
Hulk is one of the 756 animals that have been adopted during the iAdopt campaign. Hulk was united with his forever home after being rescued by the Animal Centre.
"This kitty Hulk arrived as a stray and has recently been adopted through our iAdopt campaign," said Heather. "Hulk is a wonderful example of how we strive to give every animal the second chance they deserve at a better life."
Photos courtesy of the Renfrew County OSPCA
Hulk has now been renamed Murphy and is settling in with his new family. He is calm and patient with his diverse family which includes a dog and kids that love him already. His new family couldn't be happier with their choice to bring a cat home for the holidays.
The team at the Centre has managed to stay strong as they endured the stress and changes they've faced during the pandemic. Non-profit and animal care workers have faced many difficulties during the pandemic. But there is one thing in particular that helps them get through it.
"Team spirits remain high knowing we are making a difference for these animals in need," Heather said.
CLICK HERE to see the adoptable pets at the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre.
Looking for more Christmas content? CLICK HERE!
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