Animals stars of the show at humane society fundraiser
More than 120 guests filled the Kelowna Yacht Club for a sold-out fundraiser for the Okanagan Humane Society.
“We have been this little charity with a big impact; however, many have not known much about our work so this was a night to celebrate and learn more about OHS, our volunteers and the work we do for local animals,” states Romany Runnalls, president of the board of directors.
The stars of the first Celebration for the Animals, were the animals, of course.
“We had some of our OHS Alumni animals attend, said Runnalls.
A cat named Comet was found limping in downtown Kelowna and rescued by a Good Samaritan. OHS ensured Comet received all emergency medical needs and a new, loving home was found.
Smokey the dog received medical support through the Pet Assistance Program to ensure she could stay with her owner.
There was also a bundle of kittens who were rescued in Lake Country and will be ready for adoption in the next few weeks.
“We are so thankful for those that came out to learn more about OHS and for the generosity with an outpouring of donations,” said Runnalls.
Guest speakers included Richard Johns, with Westbank First Nation law enforcement, who spoke about the partnership WFN and OHS shared to help with the pet overpopulation in West Kelowna, and Kathy Woodward, special constable for the BC SPCA to talk about working together with OHS.
The society’s mandate started with spay and neuter services to help control the pet population in the Okanagan. So far, the local charity has spayed or neutered more than 23,000 animals and counting.
This volunteer-run team rescued, rehabilitated, and fostered more than 1,300 animals last year.
The society has been serving local Okanagan animals for more than 25 years.