The generosity of a pair of local entrepreneurs has taken much of the worry away from the operator of a non-profit group that cares for surrendered farm animals.
In response to a public plea earlier this week for help to pay the cost of a truckload of horse hay, the Prince George Animal Rescue Society has received a $15,000 donation.
The money came from Canadian Tire Prince George store owner Selen Alpay and John Brink, owner of the Brink Group of Companies. They each provided $7,500, enough to buy a semi-trailer load of hay which will last the society through the winter.
“Now we don’t have to go into debt, so I’m happy about that,” said Nicola Redpath, who founded PG Animal Rescue 20 years ago. ‘”That was a real shocker. We put out a Facebook post out and they follow our page and it just went from there.”
The cost of hay has more than doubled compared to last year’s prices. A province-wide drought has stunted crops and spiked demand for feed crops, especially horse hay that doesn’t have dirt or clover mixed in, which can prove harmful for horses.
“We were totally prepared to go into debt for this because we don’t have that kind of money set aside, and with hay being so short (in supply) if you don’t pay for it right away you lose it,” Redpath said. “This is one that caught us totally off-guard.”
The money will pay for a load of round bales from Kamloops and the square bales they need are coming from local growers.
At Redpath’s property at the end of Bendixon Road east of Prince George Airport, PG Animal Rescue is home to more than 20 horses who require that hay. The society also has goats, llamas, chickens, ducks and dogs. On Thursday was receiving a collection of 12 kittens and eight adult cats that are now available for adoption, available to people with suitable homes.
In addition to the donations from Brink and Alpay, Redpath also received $1,000 payment from Prince George dentist Suzanne Rozon, as well as a few other e-transfers. She was also contacted by a woman whose father died recently who had bales of hay set aside for the society. She said PG Animal Rescue once helped her dad deal with a feral cat and he always looked upon the society’s efforts to help out struggling farm animals favourably.
“Any time we’ve had an animal that’s come in and it’s going to be a big (veterinary) bill, it’s amazing how people step up,” said Redpath. “I guess when you get a good reputation in the community people are wiling to support you and I’ve been very fortunate to have a great community behind me.”
For more information go to the society’s website.
