Back on September 21st, Clearview Co-op celebrated “Fuel Good Day” where money from fuel and coffee sales went to two local charities, one being Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue.

This week, a cheque from Clearview was handed to the Animal Rescue organization and Sandra Watson, Vice President and Adoption Coordinator couldn’t be more thrilled with the donation amount - $5,092.50.

Sandra Watson, VP and Adoption Coordinator for Steinbach & Area Animal Rescue“It's really wonderful that Clearview Co-op chose the Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue as one of its recipients this year for the Fuel Good Day charity event. Sometimes animals are overlooked as an important charity to give to. We are just thrilled that they saw that this is an important community initiative, that helping animals helps people. We are another way to help the community spirit by helping animals.”

Watson remembers the event last month and “how happy the people were when they saw the animals that were there. The adopters that came in with their animals. The happiness they brought to people. As well, the people that now have a place to bring injured and stray animals have a real sense of appreciation that this rescue exists and Clearview sees that and we appreciate them greatly.”

She says they will be putting some of that money away for their future building fund, but these days it’s about animal care and vet bills.

“This is going to really help care for a lot of the animals we've had to take in this month. We've had a couple of surgeries. And as always, we spay and neuter all of the animals. So, this money is going to help care for a lot of animals that have come through our doors.”

Watson says, as the temperature cools down and winter is around the corner, this is a very busy season for them. She explains why.

“Right now, our foster situation is at the breaking point. We are filled to the brim. Everybody is trying to assist the cats that are outside and those that are giving birth outside, knowing that the animals are soon going to be facing frigid weather. So, it's a mad rush to get animals into care. Unfortunately, our foster homes are full. I have 14 kittens in my home and two adult cats. I know other fosters are facing the same issue. This money from Clearview is going to help care for all these animals and also to spay and neuter them.”  Update: as of October 19, Steinbach & Animal Rescue is putting a hold on all cat intakes, as foster homes are full and adoption is slow.

For more information on fostering or adopting local animals through Steinbach and Area Animal Rescue, please check out their website.