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.