An animal rescue network has received a flood of donations after a story ran on a recent theft.
Norway House Animal Rescue Network had nearly 50 boxes of supplies stolen from a volunteer’s home earlier this week. The supplies were destined for animals rescued from northern communities in Manitoba, where overpopulation and massive culls put the animals at risk.
The rescue network relies on donations to operate, and volunteer Jill Britton said she was shocked to come home and find all of the boxes stolen.
CTV Winnipeg ran a report on the theft Saturday, and by Sunday afternoon the rescue network had received a massive amount of donations.
“People have been going to the website. They’ve been calling. They’ve been making monetary donations, which is fantastic,” said Britton.
The monetary donations can be used for medical supplies for the dogs, which is something the charity would “never have been able to do before,” said Britton.
Britton said the original boxes of donations destined for pups in need have not been returned, but the recent outpouring of support has nearly matched what was taken.
“I think we’re pretty much there. We’ve gotten donations from Texas and California,” said Britton.
One special donation came from a man who is currently living at Siloam Mission. He works at gas bar but doesn’t make enough money to live away from the shelter. Britton said she was gobsmacked to get the call and the donation. “It’s unbelievable – the community support,” said Britton.
She also reiterated the need for foster families for rescued pups, saying, “I’m really hoping that one thing that comes out of it is that more families and more homes step forward to be foster families.”
