By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – From homemade catnip to used books and board games, Roy & Cher’s Animal Rescue offered dedicated yard sale shoppers a bargain for a good cause.
Organizers of the not-for-profit organization’s second annual yard sale, held in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 297 parking lot on Sunday (August 16), expect to raise about $1,000. The first edition collected $900.
“People were helping unpack boxes before we even opened at 7 a.m.,” said Angela Parker, founder and director of operations. “All fundraisers we have assist animals from abuse, neglect and abandonment.”
The group, also known as Roy & Cher’s Rescue Farm, operates as a network of fosters throughout eastern Ontario. It’s main program focuses on feral felines, having them spayed, and released back into their colonies.
“We’re looking for foster homes for feral kittens,” she said. “They need to have a room dedicated to them, it’s only temporary, and to help socialize them. We also need kitten toys and food. If you go to Pet Valu (on Vincent Massey and Eastcourt) or Stacy’s Pet Depot and buy items there for donation, they’ll make sure we get it.”
The volunteer-driven organization was founded in July 2013 and operates solely on donations. After attending an animal rights conference in Washington, Parker enlisted Chantal Contois, of Cornwall, and a handful of friends. The local group, named after two cats Parker adopted, started its crusade after several guinea pigs were surrendered to the animal shelter. Both groups work independently towards the same cause.
Upcoming fundraisers:
Litter Drive
Stop by and purchase a discounted bag of litter for rescued cats.
Saturday, August 22
Pet Valu, Eastcourt Mall, Cornwall
Animal Companion Picnic in the Park
More details to come.
Sunday, August 23
Long Sault
Adoption Day
Meet members of Roy and Cher’s Animal Rescue Team and many furry friends waiting for a forever home. Nail trimmings, by donation.
Saturday, September 12
9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Stacy’s Pet Depot, Cornwall
For more information on volunteering and donations, visit www.royandcher.org or email royandcher@gmail.com or search Roy & Cher’s Rescue Farm on Facebook.
