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By Courtney Almeida

Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue wins funding

Jan 21, 2019 | 11:08 AM

Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue was recently selected as the local recipient for MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual’s “Deeds Well Done” program. The annual charity campaign has donated over $80,000 to more than 250 charities in the last six years.

“Deeds Well Done provides us with an opportunity to recognize and give back to the people and organizations that make our communities a better place. Deeds Well Done expands into new communities every year, and it is incredible to see this initiative grow and have an even greater impact,” said Robin Chakrabarti, President of MR MIKES.

 Bandaged Paws is 100 per cent volunteer run and relies entirely on public donations. The registered non-profit helps injured, homeless, abandoned or otherwise in need animals find permanent homes.

 Last year, counting dogs and cats, the organization took 475 animals into their care and found homes for 440 of them.  

 “We weren’t actually aware prior of the contest going on. It was quite flattering. They said they received over 1,900 entries and ours was chosen as the top out of all of those,” Natasha Arsenault, President of Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue said regarding the funding they had won.

Taking in such a high rate of at-risk animals incurs a great deal of veterinary costs for the organization.

“Ninety-five per cent of our costs go to vet care,” explained Arsenault.

Last week alone, Bandaged Paws took 20 animals into their care.

The shelter also encourages responsible pet ownership, including the promotion of spay/neuter, regular vaccinations and microchipping.

Brad Richards, General Manager at MR MIKES in Grande Prairie explains the reasoning behind choosing Bandaged Paws as their 2018 winner.

“They’re a volunteer run organization and they don’t receive any government funding, they need all the help they can get. Animals definitely touch most people’s hearts and animals in stress are in even more need of some help.”

They can always use help with vet bills. Donations can be made to Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association or by contacting Bear Creek Animal Clinic and applying the donation directly to the organization’s veterinary bill. 

by Courtney Almeida