‘St. Cat-ty’s Day’ at Loyalist College raises money to help animals

By Denissa Palmer 

BELLEVILLE – Loyalist College Public Relations students found the “purrr-fect” way to raise $1,225 for a local animal shelter.

Volunteers dedicated their St.Patrick’s Day to fundraise for the Loyalist Humane Society in Picton. A silent auction was held in the dining hall for staff and students between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m on Tuesday.

The auction included flowers, early Mother’s Day gifts and even customized pillows. Prince Edward County businesses donated all the items. All the money raised will go towards the food and supplies needed at the shelter.

Volunteers like Gilles Robert helped run the auction. The retired cat-lover dedicates every Wednesday to volunteering at the humane society. After losing his two pet cats, he felt it was time to do something else so he decided to volunteer with the organization.

“I’ve always believed in being a part of the community, and always giving back to the community,” Roberts said.

For other committed volunteers like Joanne Fralick, it isn’t only about the amount of money they raise it’s also about finding great homes for these four-legged creatures. Fralick has adopted four cats since volunteering.

Fralick even rescued a dog while on vacation in Belize last year. She saved it from a fighting ring and brought her back to Canada. Girly Girl has been happy in its new home since.

The humane society is in desperate need of volunteers. The workload grows because it houses an increasing number of abandoned cats.

So far this year, it has taken in 460 cats and kittens. Around 295 of them have been adopted, but more come in, some pregnant with kittens. All animals are neutered upon arrival, if they aren’t already.

The humane society has been saving animals for the last 17 years. The cats and kittens are kept between four buildings located in Picton. Usually it only take cats that are brought in or found, but it has become a home to a few dogs. The organization also has a no kill policy.