Animal shelters struggle to raise funds during pandemic
The COVID-19 crisis has not only affected people in the community but also pets in need of homes.
Because of the pandemic, Paws for Life Rescue in Troy has had to halt in-person adoption and fundraising events.
“We host an in-person auction every December to raise funds for the coming year, but COVID-19 changed our plans for 2020. So, we are taking our fundraiser online, launching Black Friday, running through Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday and ending at 7 p.m. Dec. 4,” said Courtney Protz-Sanders, executive director of Paws for Life Rescue.
Paws for Life is not alone. Local animal welfare organizations, including All About Animals, DogAide and I Heart Dogs, have all hosted virtual auctions in the last few weeks.
“Participants seem to enjoy being able to leisurely shop and bid from home,” said Rachael Prenkert, a volunteer who organized DogAide’s recent virtual auction. “Taking it online also helps the charity save money on food and venue costs.”
The Kibbles and Bids virtual silent auction to benefit Paws for Life launches online at www. pawsforliferescue.org on Friday, Nov. 27 and includes a variety of items to bid on: Travel excursions, jewelry, sports memorabilia, home and kitchen essentials, beauty products, dog and cat toy baskets, kids’ stuff and more.
Paws for Life rescues homeless, neglected, abused and abandoned dogs and cats from overflowing shelters, placing them with fosters until they find their forever homes. All proceeds will go directly towards helping care for the animals.