BAKING FOR A DIFFERENCE
Islanders create cupcakes on National Cupcake Day in support of neglected animals
Islanders create cupcakes on National Cupcake day in support of neglected animals
Elaine Gascon loves to see the lives of neglected animals changed for the better when they find a new home.
Last year, a fisherman found a kitten caught in a lobster trap. The kitten was taken to the vet, where his paw was cut off.
But, the fisherman and his family had grown attached to the kitten and they adopted her.
The kitten seemed like a different animal.
“You really could see (the kitten’s) personality shining through. It was great to see,” said Gascon.
“Really, when you’re supporting the fundraiser you’re saying, ‘I don’t stand up for animal cruelty, I’m fighting against it and I’m doing something really positive to bring awareness to the table.’” Jennifer Harkness
This kitten’s story is one reason National Cupcake Day is important, says Gascon. The volunteer with the P.E.I. Humane Society was at the Confederation Court Mall in Charlottetown Monday taking part in the national fundraiser for abused and neglected animals.
This is the third year P.E.I. has been involved in National Cupcake Day.
Gascon said taking care of animals makes her happiest.
“I volunteer at the shelter three times a week. I walk dogs and clean cats and I have my own dog and cats at home. I just love animals.”
Jennifer Harkness, development co-ordinator for the P.E.I. Humane Society, says fundraising is important to the society because it is the only animal shelter on the Island and it needs the support.
“Animal abuse and neglect is a terrible, horrible thing and it’s negative, but we’re trying to change that message and do something positive,” she said.
“The more funds we can bring in the more animals we can save.”
It’s important for Islanders to get involved and support the local event and take a stand against animal cruelty, she said.
“Really, when you’re supporting the fundraiser you’re saying, ‘I don’t stand up for animal cruelty, I’m fighting against it and I’m doing something really positive to bring awareness to the table.’ ”
Cupcake Day originated in Australia and its success prompted the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Ontario and British Columbia to partner and bring the event to Canada.
In 2016, volunteers across Canada raised over $615,000 for their local animal shelters. Businesses selling cupcakes for National Cupcake Day in Charlottetown included The Kettle Black, Comic Hunter, Charlottetown Vet Clinic and Blue Ribbon Grooming.