The story was originally published in The Sylva Herald, April 1 publication.
Humans aren’t the only ones with medical bills. The local non-profit organization, Advocates for Animals, will be hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, April 3, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Innovation Station in Dillsboro to raise money for their foundation.
The event will be mostly outdoors and will consist of a yard sale, live music, and raffle opportunities. The raffle prizes are still being developed, but so far, the organization has obtained $75 gift certificates from Fusions Spa and Wellness as well as Foragers Canteen. The organization president, Patricia Thomas, will also be offering her services as a photographer for a $10 donation that will go towards the cause.
On top of the generous donations made by the public, the Innovation Station will also be donation a percentage of their earnings to the organization as well. Food will be provided by Foragers Canteen right next door and there will a food truck onsite.
Advocates for animals is a local non-profit organization that dedicates its time making sure pets are fed, bathed, walked, taken to breed specific shelters, healthy, or placed under proper care. Donations acquired will be put into the organizations general fund to help people in the community whose animals need medical care or a more suitable living situation.
Other expenses include food, supplies, and boarding for the animals that organization takes in. Thomas recognizes families being unable to afford proper care for their pets as a common issue, especially in lower income areas such as WNC. The main goal for the organization as a whole is pet retention.
“There’s many at risk and low-income communities here. Despite that, there are people who genuinely love their pets and want to do what they can for them,” said Thomas during a Zoom interview.
A prime example of this love and care goes back a few months ago for . There was a Brittany Spaniel that broke its leg last winter when slid on the ice and landed wrong. Thanks to the generous donations made in the past, the organization was able to help the dog’s family pay for her medical expenses.
Tomas gave an example of this love and care from a few months ago. A Brittany Spaniel broke its leg last winter when slid on the ice and landed wrong. Thanks to the generous donations made in the past, the organization was able to help the dog’s family pay for her medical expenses.
“Donations are the only way we can help people in the community. Even if someone donates $5, that’s $5 more than we have. Lots of people in our community need help,” said Thomas.
Covid-19 precautions will be taken into consideration during this event. Because it is outside, the main focus will be on social distancing; however, the Innovation station has their own set of rules.
For more information about how to get involved with the fundraiser, or for volunteering in general, visit this link to the organization’s Facebook page.
