The last few weeks HAVA has seen a major show of support as locals from all over the area are reaching out with donations to help the non-profit stay-a-float. The past year HAVA has seen one of their worst years on record with non-stop medical bills for sick animals and a lack of donations compared to previous years.
Previously HAVA would hold a giant garage sale at the Pacific County Fairgrounds and raise close to $13,000. Nowadays, fundraisers are only bringing in a few hundred dollars and it just simply isn't enough. The non-profit was looking dire in previous weeks with depleted savings and the light at the end of the tunnel fading fast. This past weekend, they held a garage sale at Harbor Saw on Peters Street and raised around $1,000. This coming weekend they plan to hold a final garage sale for the season hoping to raise more funds to stay afloat.
HAVA hopes to reach out to local businesses in the near future to see if they can get some support and have prayers answered. For years, HAVA has been leaned on by those who needed help during times of need to keep pets fed and help with vet bills that include spaying and neutering. When Dennis Company sold earlier this year, many were worried that the new owners, Westlake, would step back, fortunate enough that hasn't been the case and they have remained as active as the Dennis family.
Westlake has invited HAVA to take part in their demo days in October for an adoption day. The event will be held at the Aberdeen Store on Boone Street. HAVA has been honored by the request and is looking forward to finding some of their beloved pets their forever homes.
HAVA has managed to truck along in very tough times largely in part to the unrelenting determination of its volunteer staff. They each give many selfless hours of their lives to make sure the shelter pets are well taken care of and get a great deal of love and affection. They all have looked at a potential closure of the shelter and said, "not on our watch".
The shelter is still in immediate need of volunteers and monetary donations. Anyone wishing to lend a hand or a few dollars can call the shelter at (360) 942-4716. The sale this weekend will also be held at Harbor Saw on Peters Street in Raymond and will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All proceeds go to the shelter.