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28 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday December 15, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Donations are the shelter's lifeline D Burlington Hyundai onations are the lifeline for all charitable organizations. The generosity of supporters makes it possible to provide essential programs and services that enrich our community and lives. While organizations that support the work of human care are important, those supporting local animals also fill an essential need. Imagine a town without an animal shelter. In the Oakville and Milton area that would leave 5,000 animals a year without a place to go if lost, strayed or injured. Owners with lost pets would be on their own to try to find them. More than 50,000 telephone calls a year seeking animal assistance and advice would go unanswered. People with pets that they need to surrender would be challenged to find them new homes on their own. More than 5,000 school children would not receive humane education in their classroom. Allegations of animal cruelty would not be investigated. Rescued wildlife would not be helped to rehabilitation centres for recovery and return to the wilderness. This is not a community that most people would want to live in. Without the generosity of donors and volunteers supporting the work of the Oakville & District Humane Society this `imagined' town could become reality. "Donations really are the life line of our organization," said Sheldon Wolfson, chair of the board of directors. "With the towns both growing at such dramatic rates the pressure on our resources is high. We value every donation to the shelter and every volunteer hour given because our ability to serve this community and the animals depends on them." The Oakville & District Humane Society is a non-profit charity that focuses on A. Cupido Transport Ltd. Calder Hobman Law Offices bringing animals and people together. Serving a large territory that covers both Oakville (Lake Ontario to the south, Steeles to the north, Burloak Drive to the west and Ninth Line to the east) and Milton (Bell School Line to the east, Hwy 7 to the north and Millborough Town Line to the west) is a challenge. "We hold contracts with the Towns of Milton and Oakville to provide animal control. This money enables us to patrol, rescue animals in need of help, care for the animals during their holding period, provide lost and found services and handle bylaw calls relating to animals," said Johanne Golder, executive director. "While these services are important, they can put stress on our facility and resources." In 2007 the shelter, located at 445 Cornwall Rd. in Oakville, and the 80 foster homes used for overflow, were overwhelmed with use. At peak times almost 400 cats were being cared for in the building which was designed to accommodate 175 cats and 40 dogs. The health of each animal in the shelter's care is never compromised during challenging times and all are given hope. Many of the lost animals were returned to their homes, however, a large portion were not claimed. The dogs and cats were spayed and vaccinated and placed in the adoption rooms to await homes. Animals that were injured were assessed and treated where possible. Sometimes the numbers of injured animals flowing PET OF THE WEEK: Mia is a "cute as a button." Many of the other animals looking for homes can be viewed at www.oakvillehumane.ca. through the shelter doors each month ran in the double digits. Public donations bring relief. Financial donations, like those made to the shelter's Charlie Fund for animals in serious medical need, help repair bones or cure the sick. Even the smallest donation can help cover the rising costs of food, hydro and water. Volunteer hours support fostering animals, and giving them proper socialization, training and exercise. Product donations are always welcomed. "We want to continue to serve both the people and animals in Oakville and Milton," added Wolfson. "Giving happens throughout the year, but during the holidays in particular we hope that people will add the Humane Society to their charitable gift list." Help keep the Humane Society's life line going by making a donation. Call 905-8451551 for more information or visit www.oakvillehumane.ca to learn more about the Humane Society's work. - Submitted by the Oakville & District Humane Society SilverCity hosts student movie night To place your business logo or name here, call your Classified Sales Representative today! 905.632.4440 Thursday, Dec. 20 is Student Night at Oakville SilverCity, 3531 Wyecroft Rd. The theatre is offering students 2 for 1 admission on all evening shows. In return, students must bring a food item to support FareShare Food Bank. This event was set up by the Oakville Youth Advisory Committee (OYAC) in partnership with the new Oakville SilverCity. Members of OYAC will be on hand to collect food items throughout the evening of Dec. 20. Also as a last hurrah for Oakville's 150th birthday celebrations, Cineplex is offering drinks and popcorn for $1.50.