Members of the local “Friends of the Animals” have a lot to be happy about since being named as Safeway’s charity for 2001 at the beginning of January.
Working toward the improved life of animals in the community, the organization is hoping this will help bring them one step closer to their goal of an animal shelter here.
With a variety of events planned for the year, “Friends” is hoping to raise the money needed to build the much-needed facility.
“We have a number of really great things planned for the year,” one board member said Monday. “Right now we are selling tickets for two four-wheelers at Safeway. We are hoping to get a few people out there to help us sell the tickets for these [vehicles].
“If people do not want to spend the day in Safeway selling the tickets, then they can get a booklet and then sell the tickets on their own.”
“Friends” also is planning on holding a number of barbecues at Safeway once the weather warms up to help raise more money.
“We are looking at having a few barbecues throughout the year,” noted the board member. “We are hoping to maybe have one in July to coincide with the July 1 parade.
“We have also decided to put a float in the parade and we are hoping children will dress up like cats and dogs and join us on our float.”
But of all the events “Friends” is planning on holding, the one that has them most excited is the dog walk and canine carnival, which tentatively is scheduled to take place Sept. 8.
“We are all very excited about this event,” the board member said. “During this event, people will walk their dog(s) along the river to the park, where there will be a bunch of activities and games they can participate in.”
Although it is still pending whether town council will agree to the walk, board members are optimistic there will be no problems.
“We just can’t see there being anything that would stop us from having this event,” the board member said. “Of course, we have to meet all the necessary bylaws before we can be given the o.k. but we are not really worried.”
With an itinerary of events in hand, the organization’s next goal is to recruit some local people to help run them.
“We can always use volunteers,” the board member stressed. “We can use people to help sell tickets, flip burgers, as well as a number of other things.
“The more people we can get to help, the better.”
To volunteer your time to the “Friends of the Animals,” call 274-2144.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
