MOOSE JAW — As part of its community outreach and to pay it forward to a local non-profit that helps bring smiles to seniors' faces, Aspira West Park Crossing is holding a community garage sale on Saturday, Sept. 7 in support of Running Wild Rescue and everyone’s welcome to attend.
The community garage sale will be held on the main floor of the retirement residence and will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We’re hoping to have the community of Moose Jaw come out to support the animal shelter here in town,” announced Charlene Rivard, West Park Crossing’s sales advisor in Moose Jaw.
In addition to complimentary afternoon tours of the residence, snacks, including popcorn and drinks, will be provided for guests and Running Wild Rescue will bring in a few adoptable cats and dogs for people to meet and interact with.
The partnership isn’t new for the retirement villa. Currently, Running Wild Rescue stops by to conduct a voluntary “animal hour” program where residents can meet, hold, pet, and brush the animals on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
“They (Running Wild Rescue) come in and they spend half an hour over at the arbour, and our residents are able to pet the puppy or a cat (and) just have that social interaction with the animals which is really valuable for them,” Rivard said. “And then they come over into the independent side and do the same thing…”
Rivard said she’s received plenty of positive feedback from residents who attended past animal hour meetings and the interactions always seem to elevate everyone’s spirits.
Now, Rivard is hoping to pay it forward after learning that the non-profit has had some ongoing challenges with funding its operation.
“We suggested, ‘Why don’t we team up together?’” Rivard said. “You bring your donations, we will also supply donations, and hopefully the community of Moose Jaw will come out (and show its support).”
Jasmin Wenarchuk, the founder of Running Wild Rescue, confirmed that the non-profit will be bringing a few animals and adoption requests will be accepted during the garage sale.
Across Canada, Running Wild Rescue currently has around 80 dogs and 120 cats in its care. In Moose Jaw’s location, there are approximately 15 dogs and 30 cats in need of a new forever home. Aside from helping with the adoption of these pets, and during a very busy season for stray cats and kittens — the Humane Society’s ongoing adoption freeze for cats is a further indication of this — the shelter also requires monetary support to finance its operations.
“The money (raised from the garage sale) actually goes toward the vet care of the animals and helps us be able to fix them, look after any upcoming (veterinary) bills… (and) keeps us afloat,” Wenarchuk said.
“We’re excited to be there and get some animals adopted, and (we’re) excited to see what it all brings in,” she concluded.
Everyone’s welcome to contribute to the garage sale by donating gently used practical items. If you wish to donate in support of Running Wild Rescue, you can call the residence as long as donations can be delivered on or before Friday, Sept. 6.
Aspira West Park Crossing is located at 1801 Meier Drive and the reception desk can be reached at 306-694-4744. For more information visit AspiraLife.ca.
To learn more about Running Wild Rescue, call 306-313-1558, email RunningWild.Rescue@gmail.com, or visit ‘Running Wild Rescue’ on Facebook.
