By Adam Brazeau
A few animal activists have already raised $8,000 for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry branch this year using social media.
‘Auction for Paw Paws’ is a Facebook group that takes donated items and auctions them twice a week to support the OSPCA.
Rosanne Morin is disabled and wanted to use her spare time to give local animals in need a better chance at surviving.
“I started the site because so many dogs and cats are alone out there. Then I realized we had needy pets in our own backyard,” said Morin.
The site kicked off on July 29, and has been well-received by animal lovers with a digital lifestyle. Auction for Paw Paws has nearly 1,200 followers. Just search the title, click the ‘Join Group’ button and once your request is accepted it’s auction time.
“I was surprised at how fast the site caught on and at how generous people in Cornwall and surrounding areas truly are,” she said.
On Morin’s side are Terri Bazinet and Joanne St. Denis. Together all three are in charge of pricing, driving, packing and delivering. They are a dedicated trio who even went to Brockville just to pick up litter pans.
“All in all we make for a great team,” said Morin.
They have purchased food, litter, Gravol, 13 dog beds, litter pans and have water dishes on order that screw to cages so dogs can’t spill.
“We are also working on getting the doors to the dog pens repaired or replaced,” she said. “We rely on donations of items to auction off, so far it has worked great.”
You can help by donating any unwanted items at 203 Martine Street. The items will be sorted, photographed and posted online. The auctions take place on Tuesday and Wednesday up until 8 p.m. and then Friday, Saturday and Sunday until noon.
“We try and give at least $500 a month to the injured animal fund. It helps animals that get rescued from abused homes or who get hit by cars,” said Morin.
Morin and her team are willing to pick up items at your house on Sundays after the auction is complete depending on availability. Members of the Facebook group can ask the administrators for more details online.
To make a donation or be a part of the auction, visit https://www.facebook.com/messages/#!/groups/Auction4pawpaws/.
