A Niagara-on-the-Lake volunteer fundraising group founded by Tanya Rice is marking its first anniversary the same way it began — by giving back, using funds coming from its current silent auction.
Since launching last May, Community Initiative for Animal Rescue has raised more than $13,000, with 100 per cent going to rescues, and supported eight rescue organizations, said Rice, in an interview with The Lake Report.
“It just seems like a month or two ago my husband and I were sitting around chatting about what to do next,” said Rice. “With the support of my husband, my family and my friends, here we are a year later.”
“We had no expectations,” she added.
The group’s anniversary silent auction is running at the Husky Travel Centre at 615 York Rd. until May 10 at 3 p.m. — when winners will be called and contacted by Husky staff.
Up for bid are experiences for four to eight people: A bracelet-making workshop for eight with Coconut Quartz, a four-person Bella’s Travelling High Tea experience, wine and charcuterie for four at Reif Estate Winery and a Sunday brunch for four with chef Phil Davis of Dining with Davis.
“Every item has a bid on it, which is good to see,” Rice said.
Proceeds will go to Happy Days Sanctuary in Fort Erie, which provides care for homeless pets and farm animals.
The auction comes on the heels of the group’s April 12 spring fundraiser, which brought in $5,660 through the sale of handmade planters and baked goods. That amount was split between Angel’s Rest Dog Rescue and The Heart and the Hope of Lost and Found Pets Niagara.
Other groups supported over the past year include Rebel Dog Rescue, NOTL Cats, Newark Neighbours’ pet pantry, Journey Fosters Niagara and Niagara Spayed Neuter Assistance Program.
The group, which has six core members, does not rescue, shelter or adopt animals — nor does it plan to. Instead, it puts all of its focus towards raising funds, so small rescue organizations can continue their work without having to pause for fundraising.
Rice said rescues are often too busy rescuing, fostering or managing colonies to plan fundraising events.
“We’re at the advantage of helping these rescue groups,” she said. “We can provide the valuable funds that they need to do the vetting, to provide foster homes with litter, cat food, et cetera.”
The group is unregistered by choice.
“Registering a non-profit — it’s a lot of bureaucracy and a lot of red tape,” said Rice.
The group’s core members include founder Rice, her mother Joyce, Erika Buchkowsky, Tracy Palleschi, Cheryl Chiarelli and treasurer Carolyn Greenfield. It’s a family effort, too — Rice’s husband, mother and niece all lend a hand. Her niece created the group’s Facebook page, Community Initiative for Animal Rescue.
Rice said the group has learned a lot over the past year, and it all comes down to three words: Education, community and generosity.
From spreading awareness about spaying and neutering to learning from other rescues across Niagara and Hamilton, education plays a big role, Rice said.
“The generosity of the community comes into play because of the wonderful volunteers in our community that stepped in to say, ‘Hey, I’ll bake,’ or ‘I’ll come and make planters,'” she said.
Sponsors have also helped the group grow, with contributions from Bella’s Travelling High Tea, Bellyacres Farm, Coconut Quartz, Dining with Davis, Husky’s, Kauzlaric Family Farm, NOTL Pet Valu, Reif and 2×4 Jam Co.
One standout donation came during the group’s Valentine’s Day pet food drive, which collected 642 pounds of food, litter and supplies — 400 pounds of it from NOTL Pet Valu.
Reif also donated $500 last year on Mother’s Day weekend when the group first launched, “to introduce ourselves into the community and to help kickstart our initiative,” Rice said.
Looking ahead, the group plans to host a plant sale on May 24, then take the summer off before preparing for its annual Christmas fundraiser.
Rice said the group isn’t looking to add new core members but is looking for volunteers.
Volunteers help out as needed — whether it’s baking, putting together planters, tying bows, or helping with digital marketing and posters. Core members decide on things like which fundraisers to run and which rescue groups receive funds.
Anyone interested in volunteering can email fundraising4animalrescue@gmail.com or follow the group’s Facebook page.
