Their mission statement sums it up nicely.
You can’t change a cat’s past, but you can rewrite its future.
For more than 30 years, Animal Aide in St. Thomas has attempted to provide a safe place for the neglected, abandoned and stray cats in the city and across Elgin county.
In addition, the not-for-profit organization has raised awareness in the community of animal welfare issues.
Operations manager Ashley Thornton stresses all of these efforts are undertaken without financial support from any level of government.
Thus, the reliance on fundraising efforts like a bottle and can drive earlier this month. (See photo at left).
Thornton breaks down the expenses Animal Aide faces every month.
She adds that you can also assist financially when you undertake estate planning.
Thornton walks us through the adoption process.
Filling the role of operations manager is a passion project for Thornton.
The efforts of Animal Aide would not be possible without the many volunteers who give of their time. Thornton talks about she refers to as “our crazy cat family.”
Volunteers like Gary Calvert spend each morning cleaning cages and socializing with each cat and kitten.
For information on volunteering, call 519-633-3788.
Animal Aide is located at 333 Talbot Street in St. Thomas and you can visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/AnimalAideStThomasElgin/
Written by Ian McCallum
