B.C.鈥檚 Regional Animal Protection Society is teaming up with Chilliwack-based pet food company, Petcurean, for a month-long fundraiser for homeless cats and dogs.
The fundraising giveaway campaign launched on social media on Aug. 16 and will run through to Sept. 6. According to Christine Mallier, Petcurean鈥檚 sustainability and community relations manager, proceeds will benefit RAPS a no-kill animal shelter that operates as Canada鈥檚 largest cat sanctuary.
RAPS is home to hundreds of cats which are mostly deemed un-adoptable due to health issues or aversion to humans. Much-needed funds raised this month will go towards animal care and allow animals to live a healthy quality life, Mallier said. The 鈥楪iving Away to Give Back donation campaign鈥� has several giveaways residents can take part in. GO! SOLUTIONS and NOW FRESH giveaways each include two $900-value prize packs including three months of premium pet food and an assortment of must-have pet parent goodies.
Mallier explained the fundraiser is a collaboration of Petcurean and RAPS after they sat down to discuss how Petcurean could amplify its mission of helping pets live healthier, longer lives.
鈥淭his new partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to support pets, pet-parents and animal rescue groups throughout Canada,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e really want to give back purposefully to the communities that we serve.鈥�
According to RAPS CEO Eyal Lichtmann, RAPS provides life-saving and essential welfare services for animals and rescues, whether they are abandoned or in people鈥檚 care. He explained due to inflationary pressures caring for animals right now is more costly than ever.
鈥淟ike everything else, the cost of food, medication and veterinary care has risen significantly. RAPS is helping by providing partially or wholly subsidized veterinary care and a Pet Food Bank to help people in need,鈥� he said.
Programs supported through RAPS include surrenders and adoptions, foster care for animals needing rehabilitation and sustaining Canada鈥檚 largest cat sanctuary.
RAPS is familiar with taking animals from places of abuse as well as dealing with animals who are sick such as feline leukemia, Lichtmann said.
鈥淲ith the support of Petcurean and our community, we have been able to welcome scores of cats from a life-threatening situation in the Kootenays, we provided a forever home for a cat rescued from Bella Bella.鈥�
RAPS has upwards of 500 cats under their care at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary.
鈥淥ur hope is to increase this number to 1,000 cats annually. It鈥檚 a $ 20,000-lifetime cost per cat to live at the cat sanctuary,鈥� said Lichtmann. 鈥淒onations ensure that animals receive the needed care they deserve.鈥�
At least 95 per cent of cats are from B.C. found either on the streets, taken from over capacity shelters or from homes unable to care for their pet.
After participants have donated, they are eligible to enter the giveaways taking place over the month.
Regarding the ongoing dog sanctuary project, Lichtmann said the timing is wholly contingent on RAPS raising a minimum of $5 million for the project.
鈥淭he dog sanctuary will be established once these funds are raised to ensure the best facilities are created to provide proper care for upwards of 100 dogs at a time, including state-of-the-art healthcare at RAPS Animal Hospital.鈥�
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