The Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation didn't quite know what they were in for earlier this month when they were invited to Pet Valu Okotoks.

President and founder Kim Hessel was told the store had a little something to give her, but she didn't know exactly what it was until it was handed to her.

It was a cheque for $10,000.

The money was raised during the month of June as part of Pet Valu's Pet Appreciation Month, which all of the company's locations across the country participate in.

In Okotoks, funds from a silent auction, their dog washes, and regular monetary donations contributed to the total sum.

Locals donated so much that the Okotoks store ended up raising the most in Southern Alberta out of 20 locations.

Owner and Manager Carly Tiller says it typifies the community.

"It's honestly incredible, the community we're in. Just how giving everyone was, especially with the uncertainty of COVID, how many people were willing to donate. We were getting tens, twenties, fifties, hundreds. This town is so incredibly generous and we couldn't do it without them."

Tiller and Pet Valu's relationship with Heaven Can Wait and its president and founder Kim Hessel goes back quite some time.

"We've had a longstanding relationship with Kim over the last nine and a half years, so they're always our primary rescue of choice, being in the area. She's had our back just as much as we've had hers and we're here just to continue the efforts in working with these rescues. They don't see donations on a regular basis unless we're running these types of events. They have a lot of animals to care for and during the COVID pandemic with surrenders and increased kittens and everything like that, they have ongoing bills and they always need support."

For Hessel, it's a major boost to their ever-present financial needs, as a non-profit.

"Our expenses keep coming, it's just a reality of what we do. There's always veterinary care, there's always food supplies, that kind of thing. so $10,000 is a nice chunk of our budget, monthly, to do what we do."

She's always heartened by these reminders that the community knows them and is willing to offer that kind of support.

"I'm just grateful they remember us. We're one small faction of life, animal care, animal welfare, and there are so many other great charities and non-profits out there. I'm just so grateful that people remember us. It's so appreciated, moreso than what I can articulate."

 

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