Animal advocates in Niagara-on-the-Lake are calling on residents to step up and spread their love to our furry friends this Valentine’s Day.
Tanya Rice is sharing the love this Feb. 14 with a pet food drive to help animal rescue efforts in Niagara through her volunteer group, Community Initiative for Animal Rescue.
Rice founded this group to help animals in town through fundraising, though the group doesn’t handle rescues, adoptions or fostering.
“We just consider ourselves very good at raising money to assist animal rescue groups,” said Rice.
Animal abandonment and surrenders are rising in town, which she said leaves shelters overwhelmed. In just the past few months, several emaciated puppies and kittens were found abandoned. As temperatures drop, helping to keep vulnerable animals safe becomes even more urgent.
The drive is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 14 and will be porch-drop-off-style at 456 Line 2 Rd., behind Crossroads School.
Rice is expecting families to come in to kick off Family Day long weekend, so she’s armed with sweet treats for kids — and a little something for the grown-ups too.
The volunteer group has a raffle table at the Husky Travel Centre at 615 York Rd. NOTL right now too.
“It’s not the first time that they have assisted with our fundraising efforts,” said Rice.
Raffle ticket sales opened Feb. 1 for $2 each or $5 for three and all proceeds will be used to purchase any food items still needed after the food drive, she said.
“Every dollar that we raise as a non-profit fundraiser stays in the Niagara region,” she said.
The winner will be drawn at 3 p.m. on Feb. 14. and will walk away with a Valentine’s themed gift basket worth $150, filled with an array of items including wine, chocolates and a quartz heart.
Rice said she’s worried a lot of residents don’t know how helpful the food bank at Newark Neighbours is for helping animals.
“I don’t think the local community is aware that Newark Neighbours has a pet food pantry,” she said, while also acknowledging its space is limited.
As much as Newark Neighbours can fit from the drive will be donated there and any extra will go to nearby rescues like Angel’s Rest, which provides a home for senior dogs with health issues.
To fulfill needs of rescues, Rice is asking for pet beds, Fancy Feast kitten cans and Performatrin kibble for cats, kittens, puppies and adult dogs.
“We were anticipating what their needs would be,” said Rice — a practice they’re quite accustomed to at the animal volunteer group.
Just take Journey Fosters Niagara, for example, she said.
Rice said by anticipating Journey Fosters Niagara’s needs and next steps, her group was able to donate imperative microchip readers right when they needed it.
Turnouts for food drives can be unpredictable which makes every ticket and donation count, she said.
“We don’t know if we’re going to get five people or 20 people,” said Rice.
There’s a need for kitten food right now, so before heading to the Valentine’s Day raffle at Husky, consider dropping off a bag, she said.
Then, stay tuned for the winner.
