Sunday, December 5, 2010

Update

Dear friends,

Last week Project Maddie forced to close down for about a day because we could no longer cover our operating expenses, however The Toronto Professional Firefighers Association came forward after reading the article in the Toronto Star and made a $1,000 donation. We've also received donations from animal lovers and compassionate people sensitive to the plight of the most vulnerable members of our society that will allow us to keep operating for a few months. Our operating expenses are ongoing and we will need continued support to avoid facing a crisis like this again. We extend our heartfelt thanks for the assistance we've received that will help us in our mission of keeping people and pets together.

We are currently set up to accept donations three different ways:

1. Interact money transfers via online banking to projectmaddie AT gmail.com


2. In person at any RBC branch. The account details are Bank 003 Transit 03592 and Account Number 1006915

3. By mail, the address is

520 Kerr Street
PO Box 20016
Oakville, ON L6K 3C0

If you are planning to donate to Project Maddie please drop us a line and let us know where we can send a thank you!  I also extend heartfelt thanks to the many individuals who have sent us messages of support and encouragement.  It's been so touching to hear that our work means as much to you as it does to us. It also proves beyond any shadow of a doubt that together we really can accomplish anything.

From our families and furkids to yours, wonderful wishes for a safe and joyful holiday season.

Kimberley

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Project Maddie on brink of collapse after Wellseley St. fire

After the devastating fire in a public housing building on Wellseley Street in Toronto on October 4, 2010 left over 1200 people displaced a call went out for donations, including pet food. Within 12 hours Project Maddie responded, bringing 300lbs of pet food to the Wellseley Community Center to assist displaced pet owners in caring for their pets.

Dogs had all been evacuated from the building and were in desperate need of food, while most cats had been left in the apartments at 200 Wellseley street where Toronto Animal Services was leaving food and water for the terrified felines.

Over the course of four days Project Maddie transported and delivered over 900lbs of cat and dog food from Oakville to the Wellseley Community Center, a temporary shelter set up for displaced residents. The majority of the cat food used by the OSPCA and Toronto Animal Services to provide food for cats still in the burned building waiting for their owners to return was supplied by Project Maddie.

"This is by far the largest scale relief effort we've ever coordinated" explains Project Maddie Director Kimberley Ford. "We were the first and only organization to mobilize and provide petfood for displaced pet owners as well as the cats still left in the 200 Wellseley Street building. I am extremely proud of what we accomplished.

Unfortunately, our efforts at the Wellseley Community Center completely depleted all of our resources. Our food supply has since been replenished but we no longer have funds to cover our operating costs, which are significant. Project Maddie is on the verge of total collapse. We rely entirely upon donations to carry out our mission of keeping people and pets together. We do not receive any corporate or government support. Without the support of members of our community our work is not possible, and if we cannot cover our operating costs that is the unfortunate reality we are currently faced with".

In order for Project Maddie to remain viable we must raise enough money to cover our operating costs.  We have a very small window in which to do so, which presents an additional challenge. "A pet foodbank has long been a dream of mine," says Ford. "It's heartbreaking to consider we may have to pack it in so soon, especially when I know there are so many pet owners in our community who need assistance due to the current economic climate".

Donations can be made to Project Maddie's Community Account at the Royal Bank of Canada. Bank 003 Transit 03592 and Account Number 1006915

Sunday, September 26, 2010

September 24 fire at community housing building on Wellseley St. in Toronto

As many of you know a devastating fire in a public housing highrise on Wellsley in Toronto left 1800 people displaced. Fortunately some residents were able to get their pets to safety but most lost everything in the fire and no residents are allowed to re-enter the building until further notice. Project Maddie was there to provide cat and dog food for displaced and possibly homeless pet owners.  Over the course of the weekend Project Maddie delivered approximately 500lbs of cat and dog food.

Many of you are concerned about the safety and well-being of pets still in the apartment building.  The City of Toronto set up an Animal Information table at the Wellseley Community Center (which is serving as a temporary shelter for displaced residents with nowhere to go).  Pet owners who registered information about their pets with the Animal Information table have had their units visited by Toronto Animal Services who provided enough food and water for 48 hours.

Toronto Animal Services has done an amazing job.  Officers are literally working around the clock.  They finished a 24 hour long shift at 2:00 this morning at were back at it by 11:30.  All dogs have been evacuated and several are being cared for at a TAS shelter until their owners can claim them.  Several people staying at the emergency shelter in the Wellseley Community Center have their dogs with them.  Cats, birds and reptiles have all been left in the building but are being tended to as long as the owners notified someone at the Animal Information table about them.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to supporters who made our relief efforts possible.  Many residents have lost everything due to fire, smoke and/or water damage.  The companionship of beloved pet(s) is more important to these individuals than ever.  Our response to this tradgedy has completely depleted both our food bank and our financial resources.  We are hoping for your continued support so that we can continue to keep people and pets together.





Monday, September 20, 2010

kitten season and re-homing cats

This time of year animal shelters and cat rescues are crushed by the weight of "kitten season".  Unplanned and unwanted litters of kittens fill every inch of available space and every resource is stretched beyond imagination.  The impact of kitten season on rescues, shelters, and foster homes stretches well in to the fall, often in to early winter.

Recently Project Maddie has been contacted by families or individuals desperate to re-home cats, likely because the animal shelter in their area is full.  Unfortunately Project Maddie doesn't have access to any re-homing options that aren't already available to the public, however with our individual backgrounds in animal shelters and rescues we hope we can point you in a safe and fruitful direction.

1.  Always contact your local Humane Society or OSPCA branch first. Animal shelters exist to provide food, shelter and safety to animals that would otherwise be on the street (and at great risk for illness, injury or death) until they can be placed in loving homes. Understand that space may not be available immediately, and speak to someone there are being placed on a waiting list if possible.  Most shelters will also require a surrender fee to help offset the cost of food, litter and veterinary care until the animal is adopted.

2. Speak to your vet and/or local pet supply store about posting information about the cat being re-homed on an adoption board. **

3.  Post information about the cat on a website such as Craigslist or Kijjiji **

** If you are considering re-homing your cat to a stranger always request a small adoption fee.  You can keep the fee yourself, or donate it to an animal-related charity.  People who "collect" stray animals, and people with nefarious intentions often scour "free to a good home" ads.  Asking a small fee will weed out these individuals and help you identify serious potential adopters.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

August activities and goals

August is turning out to be a busy month for Project Maddie. We've initiated our first ever "food drive" due to a critical shortage in quality adult cat food. Adult cat food is what is needed most for lower income pet owners in our communities. We're extremely grateful for the support we've received but we are not out of the woods yet.

Our outreach efforts are well underway. We've put together a comprehensive brochure that explains who we are, what we do, and how to get in contact with us. Many of the pet owners who need our assistance do not have access to the internet so putting Project Maddie on paper, so to speak, is very important for our outreach.

We are working very hard on our CRA application to obtain registered charity status. Our goal is to have the application completed and submitted by the end of the month.

Once again we thank our supporters who make our work possible. Without your donations people would have to choose between feeding their pets and feeding themselves. Finances shouldn't tear families and pets apart.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Maddie

We were very saddened to learn that Maddie, the dog that was the inspiration for this project, has passed away.

Losing a pet is never easy.  No matter how much time we have with our pets it never quite feels like enough.  We are fortunate to live in a time when there is a deeper understanding of the human/animal bond and support for grieving pet owners is widely available.


We extend our deepest condolences to Maddie's family, and hope they can find some comfort in memories of her and her legacy.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Cats and Dogs in need of assistance ****UPDATE****

****UPDATE****

With respect to the woman who was giving away 50 dogs via Facebook, Animal Control, K9 Rescue Me and Jack Russell Terrier Rescue intervened to get the dogs proper care until they can be placed in forever homes.  There are still 12 Jack Russell Terriers waiting for foster homes  If you are able to foster one of these dogs temporarily until it can be adopted please contact us via e-mail or Facebook.


With respect to the 265 cats in need of hands on care in Valleyfield, Quebec it seems that the city had concerns about its new municipal pound.  Unfortunately these concerns were valid and many of the animals were sick, neglected, etc.  Staff involved have been removed and banned from the premises however all of the cats are in quarantine due to a Panleukopenia outbreak.  Panleukopenia is sometimes known as feline distemper.  For most kittens, senior cats, or cats with compromised immune systems Panleukopenia is fatal.  Unfortunately due to the high number of cats in shelters and subsequent, inevitable crowding, Panleukopenia outbreaks are not uncommon.  If you are able to assist with caring for these cats please contact Project Maddie by e-mail or Facebook and we will put you in touch with the shelter.


For all you do for the animals - thank you.


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Two very sad situations were brought to our attention today. We have yet to confirm all of the details but here is what we know so far:


Westminster Pet Sanctuary is currently desperate for volunteers to help care for 265 cats at a shelter in Valleyfield, Quebec. They need willing hands and hearts, experienced or unexperienced, as well as vet techs and veterinarians. Project Maddie has contacted Westminster Pet Sanctuary to get more information and to see how we can help as there is also an urgent need for cat food.


We also learned of a woman posting on Facebook that she has 50 dogs she needs to give away. K9 Rescue Me is looking in to it. Apparently the woman has already given some of the dogs to puppy mills and Jack Russel Terrier rescue is trying to get them back.


We will keep you posted as we learn more, including ways that you and Project Maddie can help.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Update: Project Maddie Cafe and Silent Auction

June 10 is just around the corner and we're still receiving donations for our silent auction!

In addition to the wire crate, running shoes, dog treat basket and gift basket of organic soaps to look after you from head to toe, there will be a grooming session at North Oakville Animal Hospital's "Ark Pet Spaw and Emporium", and a wonderful original oil painting by Shirley Deaville.  Ms. Deaville's original paintings are currently selling $4500 - $8500.  The donated painting is shown below. The minimum bid will be $100.




We look forward to seeing you at the Cafe and Silent Auction!


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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Details for the Project Maddie Cafe and Silent Auction!

Where: Isabella's Cafe 174 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
When: Thursday, June 10. Door open at 6:00 pm
Cost: $10


Silent Auction items include:

Aasics Lightening/Storm running shoes - Courtesy of The Running Company

"Whole Works" bath and body package - Courtesy of Enfleurage Organics

Wire crate (brand new crate pad included)  L 24" W 17" H 20"
(suitable for small dogs and puppies)

* Original black and white photography  
capturing of the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans.  - Courtesy of Smash Design

"Good dog" treat basket valued at $75

and so much more!

Refreshments and eligibility for door prizes are included in the cost of each ticket.  Tickets can be purchased via e-mail or in person at:

The Running Company 118 Thomas Street in Oakville (905) 815 1952
Pet Valu Dorval Crossing (Dorval Drive and North Service Road) Oakville

We look forward to seeing you there!


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Saturday, May 8, 2010

A couple of fundraising ideas.... thoughts? feedback?

As you know Project Maddie is about to launch an outreach campaign for pet owners in need who may not have access to the internet (ie. persons with disabilities and senior citizens). This outreach campaign will be very costly because it involves a lot of driving and a lot of printed materials.

Here are some of the ideas we've come up with so far and we would really appreciate your feedback.

1. A silent auction, possibly online. Items for bid would include high end dog greats, tickets to Burlington Bowl and everything in between.

2. Comedy night at Club 54. Tickets are $10 and sold in advance. All of the proceeds of the tickets go to Project Maddie.

As a supporter of Project Maddie what would you be most likely to participate in?  Please give use the remarks section for feedback or suggestions. We'd love to hear from!

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Fundraising ideas - looking for feedback

As you know Project Maddie is about to  launch an outreach campaign for pet owners in need who may not have access to the internet (ie. persons with disabilities and senior citizens).  This outreach campaign will be very costly because it involves a lot of driving and a lot of printed materials.  Here are some of the ideas we've come up with so far and we would really appreciate your feedback.


1. A silent auction, possibly online.  Items for bid would include high end dog greats, tickets to Burlington Bowl and everything in between.


2. Comedy night at Club 54.  Tickets are sold in advance and all of the proceeds of the tickets go to Project Maddie.


As a supporter of Project Maddie what would you be most likely to participate in?  Please give use the remarks section for feedback or suggestions.  We'd love to hear from!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Project Maddie is reaching out and we need your help

Project Maddie was initially conceived as a way to help pet owners experiencing sudden, short term financial difficulties to keep their pets, but it quickly became apparent that some pet owners need our help on a long-term basis.

Many seniors and persons with disabilities with pets need assistance on an ongoing basis due to financial and mobility constraints.  For these individuals their connection to their pet(s) is vital to their quality of life and provides significant health benefits.  We are working with our partners to provide long-term assistance to these individuals and their pets, but outreach is critical to make sure they know that help is readily available.

Many of the people we are trying to reach out to do not have access to the internet.  This is especially true of senior citizens.  Project Maddie has started an outreach campaign specifically for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.  You can help with this outreach campaign by donating gas cards, gift cards for Staples Business Depot for printed materials, or monetary donations.

gift cards or cheques can be mailed to:

Project Maddie
c/o Oakville and Milton Humane Society
445 Cornwall Road
Oakville, ON  L6J 7S8

* cheques should be made payable to Project Maddie.

Alternatively e-mail money transfers can be made to projectmaddie at gmail dot com

If you would like to donate through Paypal you can send an e-mail transfer from your Paypal account to projectmaddie at gmail dot com

Thank you for everything you do to support Project Maddie, "keeping people and pets together"







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Monday, May 3, 2010

Oakville & Milton Humane "Milton Mutt Strut" a great success!

Thank you to everyone who came out to the "Milton Mutt Strut" to support the Oakville and Milton Humane Society.  OMHS is a low-kill shelter and the people who work there are the most caring and dedicated animal lovers I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

Despite forecasts of thunderstorms and showers it was a beautiful day.  There was a fundraising walk, silent auctions, and lots of fun games for the whole family.  There were entertaining dog shows including agility and freestyle frisbee demonstrations, and a "Rescue Dog Parade" starring dogs from Boston Terrier Rescue, Greyhound Rescue (GLOWH), and Great Dane Rescue.

Project Maddie was thrilled to be part of this event and extends a very special thank you to our volunteers Rosie and Kylie!

Friday, April 30, 2010

Kerr Street Ministries Dream Center opens its doors in May

A little bit of non-Project Maddie related news.  One of our partners, Kerr Street Ministries, will open the doors of the Kerr Street Ministries Dream Center on May 7, 2010.

Project Maddie chose to team up with the Kerr Street Ministries food bank because of KSM's commitment to accessibility and providing relief to people in need.

"The KSM Dream Centre will represent hope and opportunity for many of Oakville's most vulnerable residents.  The new building will feature an expanded food bank and meal drop-in centre, complete with a state-of-the-art kitchen; a full-sized gymnasium; enhanced children and youth program areas, including music studios; a chapel; and a computer lab."

We are proud to be partnered with this amazing, progressive organization.  It touches countless lives by providing assistance with compassion and sensitivity. You can visit KSM's website here

Monday, April 26, 2010

Project Maddie will be at the Oakville & Milton Humane Society's Mutt Strut!

Project Maddie will be at the Oakville & Milton Humane Society's "Mutt Strut" in Milton on Sunday, May 2 from 11-4.  This is a great fundraiser for OMHS, one of Project Maddie's valued partners.  We would love to see you there!  Come by and be the first to learn about Project Maddie's very exciting new initiatives! One of them is so new we haven't even announced it here yet!  Did we mention it's exciting?

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Enfleurage Organics supports Project Maddie

Enfleurage Organics is a local business that produces handmade natural, organic, biodegradable soap products. We are excited to announce that $1 from every bar of Enfleurage Organic's dog soap sold will be donated to Project Maddie. You can visit Enfleurage Organics online by clicking here

Monday, April 19, 2010

Paypal difficulties...

It has recently been brought to our attention that the Paypal donate button is not working so it has been temporarily removed. If you have a Paypal account and would like to make a donation to Project Maddie you still can by sending an e-mail transfer from your Paypal account to projectmaddie at gmail dot com

The issue with the donate button will be resolved as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Update - help for seniors and persons with disabilities

Project Maddie was created to assist pet owners experiencing short-term financial difficulties, however we also recognize that there are seniors and persons with disabilities with pets whose needs are ongoing due to financial and mobility constraints. For these individuals their connection to their pet(s) is vital to maintaining quality of life and provides significant health benefits. Project Maddie will work with its partners to provide long-term assistance to seniors and persons with disabilities who are on a fixed income.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Project Maddie welcomes Patti Mackenzie to our executive team!

I am thrilled to announce that Patti Mackenzie has joined Project Maddie's executive team!  Patti worked as an Adoptions Counselor for many years at the Oakville & District Humane Society.  In fact she was the adoption counselor that finalized the adoption of my first kitten Buster.

Patti's experience in a shelter environment makes her extremely knowledgeable about companion animals and the skills she applied in her role as an Adoption Counselor will complement Project Maddie beautifully.  Her skills and knowledge, along with her passion for animals make her both a welcome addition and tremendous asset to the Project Maddie team.

Welcome to Project Maddie Patti!


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Thursday, April 8, 2010

Charitable Status

Project Maddie is in the process of applying for registered charitable status with Canada Revenue Agency.  Among other things, this means that people who make monetary donations to Project Maddie will receive tax receipts!  The CRA application/decision process takes 6-18 months.

This is a big undertaking in terms of the actual application process and the cost involved.  Project Maddie will need to become a legal entity (this involves a fee) and hire both a lawyer and accountant.

This also presents an opportunity for people to get more involved with Project Maddie because we will need passionate, committed volunteers who share our vision to join Project Maddie's executive team.

If you've considered supporting Project Maddie or getting involved now is the time!  Please e-mail us at projectmaddie at gmail dot com

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Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Ways to donate

You can donate through PayPal by clicking on the "donate" button at the top of the right sidebar.

Donations can also be sent to:
Project Maddie
c/o Oakville & Milton Humane Society
445 Cornwall Rd, Oakville ON   L6J 7S8

E-mail money transfers can be made to projectmaddie at gmail.com

No donation is too small.  Every single dollar helps. Thank you!

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Latest Project Maddie news

Project Maddie is delighted to announce that we are partnering with the Oakville Milton Humane Society.  OMHS, along with our other partner Kerr Street Ministries have both offered to donate pet food, if possible. Both organizations will also be able to refer clients at risk of giving up a beloved pet due to short-term financial difficulties to Project Maddie, effective immediately.

In addition to donated food Project Maddie is now accepting monetary contributions.  The costs incurred printing business cards, putting together orientation and information kits and traveling by car to pick up and deliver donations have been much greater than anticipated and used up all of our funds.  Unfortunately this will impact our ability to mobilize as quickly as possible if a family is in need. If you are interested in making a small monetary donation to Project Maddie to assist us with getting Project Maddie off the ground please send us an e-mail projectmaddie AT gmail.com  If you are interested in volunteering your time there will be several volunteer opportunities available as well.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement.  Because of people like you we will be able to help keep people and pets together.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Update

I know many of you are waiting for an update so here's a mini-update to let you know how Project Maddie is progressing.

Project Maddie will be working with Kerr Street Ministries (the local food bank).  Pet food donations can be made through Kerr Street Ministries and Kerr Street Ministries will soon have Project Maddie business cards on hand so that they can refer clients that are experiencing temporary financial difficulties to Project Maddie.

Other organizations and/or agencies that can refer people to Project Maddie will be announced soon.  It is not necessary to have a referral to receive assistance from Project Maddie, but I believe that working with a referral system will be an effective way to make sure that people who need assistance are made aware that help is available.

Heartfelt thanks for your continued interest and support.  

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Welcome to Project Maddie

Project Maddie has been a dream of mine for a very long time.  I've been involved with my local animal shelter for over a decade and have been surprised at how few resources exist for people who unexpectedly find themselves unable to care for their pets for financial reasons.  Sadly many of these pets end up in shelters and families are left devastated.  No family should lose a pet due to temporary financial difficulties.

A family in need of assistance - specifically dog food - was brought to our attention yesterday, and within hours Project Maddie was born.  Other dog owners, kind-hearted non-dog owners and even a local merchant stepped up to make sure the entire family can stay together, including Maddie, who won't have endured the long journey from Texas only to end up in an Ontario animal shelter.  

Thank you. Namaste.