Furry fundraisers

Animal charities setting up Christmas tables

TRURO – Shoppers will be able to pick up some bargains while supporting animals in need this season. Both the Nova Scotia SPCA – Colchester Shelter and CARMA Cat Rescue Maritimes - Colchester Chapter are setting up fundraising tables.

Because of COVID, both organizations have been limited when it comes to raising money during the past couple of years.

“The Christmas tables are very important,” said longtime SPCA volunteer Sandra Hollis. “This is our main fundraising effort of the year. It’s the one we really rely on.”

Tables will be set up at the Truro Mall and some craft fairs. Along with catnip mice, there will be Christmas items, crafts, gift items, and possibly some baked goods. CARMA members also plan to have their calendars available.

“This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year,” said CARMA volunteer Michelle Heighton. “Along with raising money, it helps bring awareness to the public that CARMA is out there with the trap-neuter-release program for feral cats.”

Both organizations need to raise funds for vaccinations, surgeries, and the day-to-day expenses for animals in their care. The SPCA has animals in the shelter and foster homes. CARMA doesn’t have a shelter, but animals waiting to be adopted are placed in foster homes.

The organizations are happy to accept donations of Christmas-themed or new items, as well as knitted goods. People wishing to donate items for the SPCA table can contact the shelter at 902-893-7968 or stop by the table once it’s set