Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation is receiving a large chunk of money after winning the Pella 'Hope at Work' Award.

The organization was one of 26 nominated for the award, and was the only Canadian organization among them.

They managed to amass over 35,000 votes thanks to dedicated residents, many of whom voted daily.

They'll be receiving $50,000 for the win.

Heaven Can Wait's founder, Kim Hessel, says the community showed up in a big way.

"We just rocked it. We, as a community, as a group of people that care about what we do each day. I can't get over our supporters enough, these are people that voted every single day, which is what you needed to do to make this happen."

She says they'll be taking some time to figure out how best to use the money.

"It's getting a bit late in the season now, so we may plan a little bit more for next year. Either way, it's going to be money that's extremely well spent. We're going to be careful with the money. It's such a gift, and I want to make sure we spend it wisely."

Though it's been a tough year for countless people and organizations, Hessel says there's been no shortage of support for Heaven Can Wait.

"Look at Ralph and all of his effort with Ralph's Ride, the ongoing story with Pella and all the people that supported that, all the renovations that have been going on. 2020 has been such a strange year, yet we've been very fortunate. I don't want to jinx it!"

Hessel extended thanks to the community as well as to John and Adrienne Wienand, the Pella franchise owners in Western Canada who nominated Heaven Can Wait.

"I don't know how we got so lucky to have this couple and the couple and the company they own come into our world. They're legitimately lovely people who want to help animals, especially John, John's a cat guy."

For more information on Heaven Can Wait, click here.

 

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