All proceeds from this week’s KPMG Taste of Summer Charity BBQ will go directly to the Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue (SAAR).
Kitten palooza
President Graham Pollock says they are very busy at this time of year.
“This kitten season we've taken in a lot of kittens and younger cats and as a result, we've got a multitude animals in our rescue right now.”
With the shelter being so full, Pollock is encouraging people to consider adoption.
“We've got a kitten palooza going on right now. So, hopefully we’re going to be able to move some of those kittens into full-time homes. That's the goal.”
To help ease the adoption process, SAAR has reduced their kitten fee to $130, which includes spaying or neutering.
KPMG Taste of Summer Charity BBQ
The Charity BBQ, happening this week, offers lunch for a minimum $2 donation, with all proceeds supporting the rescue's operations.
“I continue to tell everybody our vetting costs form 80% of our operating budget. So a lot of it goes to that. It enables us to be able to do spay and neuters, spay neuter clinics when we can, and it allows us to buy food and litter and medicine and all that kind of thing to keep the animals healthy.”
Weather permitting, some adoptable kittens might make an appearance at the BBQ. And visitors may even get the chance to meet Marcie, the only dog currently at the rescue.
"We've had her since January. And if I can plug her a little bit, she is just an absolute gem. But she needs to be the only animal in the house. But she is a gem and loves people. So I'm going to plug Marcie. And if you're looking for a dog, come and meet her.”
Big dreams for the future
Looking ahead, Pollock says SAAR has big goals, including an expansion to their recently built facility.
“It would give us an open room for in the wintertime, if we've got dogs in rescue, it's a place where maybe we could exercise them, let them run a little bit and relax and have a little space. A place for meet and greets. If people are wanting to meet animals and prior to adopting or making a decision to adopt. I that's kind of what Michelle and I have talked about a little bit is kind of a long-term dream.”
Another dream is having the resources available to hire staff.
“We are completely volunteer run right now and hats off to all those people that come in the early morning to let the dog out or feed the cats and clean the litter boxes. We couldn't operate without them and obviously we need a shelter manager and assistant manager, and we're working towards trying to get the resources raised to be able to pay staff so that would be another dream. So those two things are big on the horizon for us.”
Connecting with the community
Pollock says the BBQ is also a great opportunity for the rescue team to connect with local supporters and animal lovers.
“We love the support from the community. This is a tremendous area to be involved in because they just seem to be always willing to offer that support. So, we thank people that have supported us for that. And for those that haven't, we would love you to get on board with us!”
With files from Adi Loewen and Corny Rempel