Julie Bertrand / Independent Reporter
The good people at Animal Haven Rescue held two fundraising barbecues at the end of July to pay for the costs of fostering unwanted animals in the Stettler area.
“We raised not quite $200 at the first barbecue and we raised just over $200 at the second barbecue,” said Julie Stender-Caron, treasurer of Animal Haven Rescue.
“We are close to $400 for the two barbecues together.”
While the organization is very happy with the supports it gets from Stettler residents, its members believe it could get more.
“There are still a lot of people in town that have no idea who we are, which surprise me,” said Stender-Caron.
There are still people that, when we gave events, ask what we do and who we are, where we are located.”
The organization has been operating since 2009 and is getting more animals every year.
“It’s good that we are helping animals find new homes, but it puts a strain on us because we do not have enough parents,” said Stender-Caron
Many people in Stettler have adopted a dog from us, so we are running out of people that can adopt.“
Stender-Caron believes that gaining charity status will help the organization get more donations.
“By becoming a not-for-profit organization, we will be able to offer income tax receipts to businesses,” she said.
“Businesses are more willing to give to charities because they get something in return.”
Meanwhile, the committee has got a full board again, after electing Stender-Caron to the position of treasurer and Krysty McIntyre to the position of secretary.
“We also have a few more volunteers coming out of the woodworks,” said Stender-Caron.
“We are quite happy about the new developments.”
Animal haven should hold a yard sale towards the end of August.
“We have not worked out the details yet,” said Stender-Caron.
For more information about the yard Sale and Animal Haven, consult the organization’s Facebook page.