Okanagan Humane Society holds fundraiser to support rescue efforts

Six kittens are getting ready to start their new lives, thanks to the volunteers at the Okanagan Humane Society.

The not-for-profit works to locate and trap lost, abandoned or forgotten felines, spay or neuter them and get them the medical attention that they need. Then, the cats are put into foster homes until they are adopted by a family.

Right now is one of the busiest times for the society. kittens are being found across the Shuswap and Okanagan Valley. That’s where Runnalls and her team steps in.

“We have people that report them to us, the kittens, moms and dads, we get them all in to get them fixed, vaccinated, dewormed, chipped and when they are little we can get them socialized and ready for adoption,” said Runnalls.

Months into the year, the society has seen a spike in the number of cats and dogs that need their help.

“The annual cost right now, as of last year, was $35,000. However, in the first three months of 2022, we had already doubled the number of animals that we have been serving,” said

To continue rescuing abandoned and feral cats and dogs the Okanagan Humane Society needs help, in the form of donations and foster applications.

The Okanagan Humane Society is reliant on support from the community. We do receive some foundation grants but we do not receive any government funding or municipal funding,” said Marni Adams, fund development adviser with the Okanagan Humane Society.

To bring in a financial boost, the Okanagan Humane Society is hosting a fundraiser on June 4 at the Kelowna Yacht Club from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Ticketholders will have an opportunity to meet the volunteer team and learn more about the society. Tickets are still available at www.eventbrite.ca

To apply to be a foster or volunteer, visit www.okanaganhumanesociety.com