Tanya Rice expressed both her appreciation and optimism on Saturday, Nov. 23 outside her home, where she hosted her fifth annual fundraiser to support some of the furry friends in the area in need of a helping hand.
“My favourite quote is from ‘Field of Dreams’: ‘Build it they will come,’” she said. “Even though it’s raining, it hasn’t kept people away from coming.”
The fundraiser, held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rice’s home in Virgil, saw a strong community turnout despite the rain, as people rallied to support Rice’s efforts to raise money to donate to the Niagara Spay Neuter Assistance Program and REBEL Dog Rescue.
Rice, alongside her husband Peter and a team of volunteers, organized it to benefit these vital animal welfare organizations.
“The community’s response has been amazing,” said Rice, pointing out how visitors came from as far as Stony Creek and Beamsville.
All of the proceeds from Saturday’s fundraiser — made through the sale of holiday planters, wreaths, bracelets, baked goods, jams and more — will go to the two organizations, which help abandoned animals.
This comes at a time when the dumping of animals in Niagara-on-the-Lake has been on the rise, with local animal welfare organizations taking in more animals than usual that have been abandoned in town.
REBEL Dog Rescue has rescued and rehomed more than 900 dogs since 2020.
“We’re so thankful they chose us to be one of their recipients,” said Kori Bowlby from the dog rescue group.
“This fundraiser helps our mission to rescue dogs in dire situations and give them a second chance of life.”
While the fundraiser has seen great community support, Rice emphasized the ongoing need for supplies like cat litter and other essentials to sustain animal rescue efforts.
Student volunteers from Vine Ridge Academy, Chloe Lee and David Mansour, assisted with carrying dog food donations and helping shoppers.
Both dog owners themselves, the students said they were eager to support the cause.
“It feels good to help,” said Lee, while Mansour added that they’re happy to use their muscles for a good cause.
The fundraiser featured handmade bracelets from Cheryl, the creator and curator of Coconut Quartz. She donated a portion of her sales to the animal welfare cause, said Rice.
Cheryl’s bracelets included unique designs crafted with care, including several bracelets featuring dog designs — a perfect touch for pet lovers looking to support the cause, said Rice.
Local businesses also played a key role in the fundraiser’s success, she said. Virgil’s Pet Valu donated pet food samples, while Phil’s Independent provided soil for the holiday planters.
Rice hopes to raise $5,000 this year, matching last year’s total.
The fundraiser will continue next Saturday and will also feature a vendor booth at Reif Estate Winery’s Christmas market on Dec. 7 and 8.
If you’re planning to stop by next Saturday, consider swinging by the nearby Pet Valu — just three minutes away — to pick up a bag of cat litter for around $10.
