Let Pets Live has worked to protect the lives and welfare of pets in Niagara for 15 years — and this year, a local business is joining the effort.
Hendriks Your Independent Grocer on Queen Street is running a fundraiser in support of Let Pets Live until July 24. Ahead of the charity’s annual August fundraiser, the grocer is offering customers the option to add $2 to their grocery bill to support animal welfare initiatives.
Ginny Taylor, who has partnered with Let Pets Live since 2020, said the collaboration started with Jane Dagg, the Shaw Festival’s donor relations director, who has been involved with the charity since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Jane Dagg knew Tony at Independent,” Taylor said. “She said, ‘I knew he’s done stuff like this before,’ and we just went to see him and he was super, he said, ‘Absolutely.’”
Let Pets Live is a Niagara-on-the-Lake-based fundraising organization founded by Ria Rosenberg and her husband, Steven Levy. Since 2011, the organization has hosted an annual golf tournament and auction to raise money for animal welfare causes.
“I think I was born with it,” Rosenberg said, referring to her love of animals.
The idea for Let Pets Live came while she was living in California. Having previously worked in public relations, Rosenberg was inspired by a client who ran an annual golf fundraiser and decided to apply the concept to animal rights.
Since its inception, Let Pets Live has raised more than $500,000. Major beneficiaries include Niagara Action for Animals’ SNIP Program and the Community Animal Allies of Niagara.
Funds typically go toward services such as low-cost spay and neuter programs, emergency veterinary care, general care and animal shelters.
Taylor said one of the organization’s strengths is its low overhead.
“We don’t have any admin fees,” she said. “Every single dollar we raise goes straight to animals.”
The partnership with Hendriks marks a new milestone for the group, which hopes to engage more businesses in future initiatives alongside its annual golf tournament and auction.
“Getting businesses involved, that’s how we’re going to take this to the next level,” Taylor said. “For Hendricks stepping up and being our pilot program this year, hopefully will open the door for us this year. We hope to do this with many businesses, not just Hendricks.”
This year’s Annual Golf Tournament takes place Aug. 24 at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club. Registration details can be found here.
daniel@niagaranow.com
