Grateful Friends Animal Rescue to hold anniversary celebration on April 26

West End

Gratitude will be front and centre at an upcoming event for a local animal rescue.

Grateful Friends Animal Rescue will hold a sixth anniversary celebration at Valour Community Centre’s Orioles site (448 Burnell St.) on Sunday, April 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The rescue is a foster-based non-profit organization dedicated to helping animals in need across the province and finding them forever homes.

Founded in 2020 by Desiree Griffin, who remains its driving force, Grateful Friends has helped thousands of animals province-wide through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, and community spay and neuter and vaccination initiatives.

Desiree’s mother, Cherise Griffin, who is also involved with the rescue, said animals arrive at the rescue for any number of reasons, such as someone finding a stray cat and her litter under their porch. The rescue is also partnered with some northern communities, including Berens River First Nation.

“I’m proud of what’s she’s achieved, and proud of her passion for helping animals,” Griffin said, noting her daughter has been honoured with a Community Hero award from the Winnipeg Jets.

“Her involvement originated from a social justice group at her high school, Teulon Collegiate, called Helping Hands, and she started volunteering with animal rescues in Winnipeg,”

Cherise Griffin said the rescue relies entirely on donations and fundraising to operate. It has saved approximately 3,000 animals to date, spending more than $665,000 on veterinary and rescue-related expenses. In addition to monetary donations from individuals and businesses, the rescue relies on fundraising to cover veterinary and other costs. On average, Grateful Friends takes in 70 per cent cats and 30 per cent dogs.

“In 2021, the rescue took in 358 animals and spent $86,000. In 2022, they took in 550 animals and spent $104,000 on care. Since 2023, the rescue has consistently helped 600 animals annually with the early cost ranging from between $138,000 and $178,000. The only way this is possible is through the help of our partners, donors and people supporting our fundraisers,” Griffin said, adding Grateful Friends partnered with Petland Canada to make some of its cats available for adoption in Petland stores.

Attendees at the April 26 event can expect to find local vendors and businesses, rescue merchandise and fundraising items, a 50/50 draw and silent auction, and information about fostering, volunteering and adopting. There will also be the opportunity to meet members of the rescue’s team, as well as meet some adoptable cats.

“The event is to celebrate our sixth anniversary, which is important because volunteering in the rescue world is often very tough due to sad situations and it’s important to celebrate the positives and to thank all the volunteers, partners, sponsors, donors, and everyone who has supported the rescue from the beginning,” Desiree Griffin said.

“Events like this help draw attention to the rescue’s volunteer work so people know who to contact if they find stray animals, want to adopt an animal, or donate to a good cause, making a difference in Manitoba.”

Desiree, 26, said part of her drive to make a difference comes from the fact there’s a large overpopulation of neglected animals in need in the province that don’t have a voice.

“I choose to volunteer my time by stepping up to make a difference by advocating for them, so they don’t suffer and, ultimately, are adopted into a loving forever home.”

Visit Grateful Friends Animal Rescue on Facebook or Instagram or go online at www.gratefulfriendsanimalrescue.com for more information.