A New Canaan-based nonprofit organization that helps rescue, foster and find permanent homes for needy pets is calling for town residents’ help during the “Fairfield County Giving Day” fundraising blitz on March 7.
Strays & Others has operated as a New Canaan nonprofit for 29 years.
Organized by the Fairfield County Community Foundation and backed by Bank of America, Fairfield County Giving Day is designed to raise $1 million for 300 nonprofits in the region. Here’s how it’ll work.
The nonprofit that receives the most individual donations—regardless of the amount—will win $25,000, and that would “mean the world” to New Canaan’s Strays & Others, according to its president, Claudia Weber.
This is Myles, a Rottweiler up for adoption through New Canaan’s Strays & Others. He’s described as “a big bundle of love” on the nonprofit agency’s website. “Everyone who meets him falls in love with … Myles would be best placed with someone who understands the breed and where there is a place to safely run and exercise ... If you are looking for a Rottie with a great disposition and temperament, Myles just might be the perfect match.” (Contributed photo)
“It would mean that we could afford to save more lives through our animal rescue efforts,” she told NewCanaanite.com. “It would allow us to continue to give serious quality medical care to those animals in need, and enable us to continue to feed and shelter the 50-plus animals currently in our care.”
Giving Day kicks off at midnight on Friday and runs through 11:59 p.m.
Though many perceive New Canaan as less needy in animal rescue than other communities, there is “great need” here, Weber said.
Here's Maggie May and Molly Possum. The sisters are about 4 years old, according to Strays & Others: "Their mom died in a car accident and the good folks at Strays and Others rescued them from off the streets. gave them shelter, medical care, food and love. Their two siblings have been placed and now Maggie and Molly need a home too." (Contributed photo)
“Whether it’s a homeless cat in someone’s back yard, a homeless dog in a municipal pound, the pet left behind when their owner dies, or the one that loses their home through foreclosure, the need is real, it’s here, and it’s now,” she said.
Weber added that Strays & Others (Facebook page here)—whose work includes providing medical care, vaccinations and spayings and neuterings—is “truly grateful” to FCCF for the opportunity to participate in Giving Day.
Here’s a video about the event: