Helping out never tasted sweeter, as treats ranging from s’mores bars, butter tarts and cookies were on sale at the Meridian Credit Union Arena this past weekend to support animal rescue efforts.

Journey Fosters Niagara, a non-profit organization that reunites lost pets with their owners, put together the bake sale held on Saturday.

The group relies on volunteers for its 24/7 availability, as well as scanners to check pets for microchips.

Michelle Murray, the founder of the non-profit group, said the organization has responded to over 200 calls since its inception in March of last year.

“Unless they’re microchipped, we have a hard time reuniting them,” she explained.

Murray started Journey Fosters Niagara after realizing how many lost pets she ended up caring for. She fostered animals for eight years but burnt out from the never-ending cycle of missing pets.

“People would say, ‘I found this dog, but I can’t hold on to it, what do I do?’ So I would offer to take the dog,” she said. “And I thought, ‘This has happened a few times now.’”

Murray’s most recent rescue was of a cat found at 2 a.m., whose owner had previously been in contact with Journey Fosters Niagara.

Volunteer Tanya Rice said families whose pets were rescued by the organization often become involved as volunteers.

“Families will come forward and say, ‘How can I help you?’” Rice said. “Anything to do with animal rescue, I find people are very giving.”

Rice is part of the Community Initiative for Animal Rescue, which focuses on fundraising for animal rescue instead of the actual rescue and foster process.

When Journey Fosters Niagara wanted to spread across the entire Niagara region, the Community Initiative for Animal Rescue donated 10 microchip scanners to help the group launch the expansion.

Two supporters at the bake sale were Deralyn Mackenzie and her mother-in-law, Jean Mackenzie. The pair also brought seven-year-old Archie, a Yorkie poodle.

Deralyn said her love of animals is why she wanted to support the bake sale.

“We love dogs and cats, but of course, particularly dogs,” Deralyn said while motioning to Archie. “We thought this was a great way to support that.”

Deralyn explained how, around two years ago, she found herself fostering a cat that had wandered onto her property.

The cat, Monty, became a cherished part of Derayln’s life and introduced her to the world of fostering animals.

But even with the success of the bake sale, Murray said animal rescue is still a mission in need of help, particularly more foster homes.

“It’s very hard to hold on to a foster home,” she said.

“They want to foster, but it might be a month or two before they’re even given a chance … and then it’s only overnight.”

The organization looks for volunteers to support all areas of animal rescue, such as fundraising, microchip scanning and administrative work.