The residents of Paradise Village teamed up to raise money for a local animal rescue.
Paradise Village is a 55-plus community located off the Trans-Canada Highway, between Ste. Anne and Richer.
“There are a lot of very wonderful people that live here. We're very fortunate to have wonderful neighbours and a wonderful place to live,” says resident Debra Hallett.
Inspired to make a difference, the community organized a fundraiser in support of the Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue (SAAR).
“We were going to do a paddle auction, it didn't quite pan out that way, and someone suggested, 'Why don't you do an online auction?' Because I really wanted to do this for the Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue. So, with help from my friend Kathie (Hudyma), we did all this arranging, we ended up with all these donations from residents, different artwork and gift baskets, and we put together gift baskets for this online auction.”
In monetary donations alone, Hallett says they raised $684 for SAAR.
“There's a lot of animal lovers here, and a lot of rescues here and then the online auction raised $1016, so we were able to present Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue with $1700, which was really appreciated because they have an intake freeze on. We were very happy to do that. The residents here are very generous, and we had success, and there are hints that maybe it might be an annual thing.”
When the cheque was presented to the President of the board, Michelle Neufeld, Hallet says that she was pleased.
“She was very happy. I think relieved too, because they've got some heavy medical bills she mentioned, and I know that she had posted that she had this intake freeze. So, she said it came at a really good time.”
Through a social media post, SAAR expressed their gratitude and thanked Paradise Village residents for their generosity.
“Your kindness makes a real difference in the lives of animals in need. Every dollar helps provide food, shelter, medical care, and love to the furry friends who depend on us. Because of you, we can continue our mission to rescue, heal, and rehome more animals.
“Thank you for showing what a caring community looks like — your support means the world to us (and to the animals!).”
Hallett’s love for animals was the motivation to organize this event.
“I'm a rescue mom myself. I have a rescue cat right now, and I've had rescue cats in the past, and it's just near and dear to my heart because I am an animal lover, and that's what I like to do,” she says. “I volunteer here in the community, but the animal rescue is my favourite way to help.”
With files from Corny Rempel