How the Winnipeg Humane Society is helping kids give back to pets in need
The Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) is giving kids the chance to help pets in need this holiday season.
The annual WHS "Kids Give Back" program took place Saturday afternoon. Volunteer services coordinator Amy Brake said it's the program's fourth year running.
"Through the pandemic we had to pivot a little bit and we actually did more of a curbside donation aspect where the kids could come and drop off donations," she said.
Now the program has returned to full in-person activities. Parents register their children ahead of time, and then show up at 45 Hurst Way with a new pet toy, treat, or accessory donation in order to participate.
"They're making a cat toy, they're making a dog toy, and then they even get a craft to take home for themselves," said Brake.
She said since the program's inception in 2019, more than 500 donations have been made to families in need, including to communities in northern Manitoba.
"We've had lots of kids come by, we've had tons of donations that we're excited to give back to our community," said Brake.
She added that it's important to give back because families are struggling financially right now.
"Part of the reason we do programs like this is because we try to keep animals in their loving homes so that they don’t actually end up back here in the shelter," said Brake, "and having the kids get involved teaches them how to volunteer, it teaches them empathy and it also teaches them how to give back to their communities."
She said donations of pet supplies, toys, and food are always welcome at the shelter, and that volunteers are needed as well.
"We really couldn’t do what we do here at the Humane Society without all the amazing volunteers that we have, and all the great kids that have come out to help us."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.