Success Story - Cindy

I was out running some late night errands this evening when I noticed a woman with a small blond Cocker Spaniel sorting through the garbage bags at this donation drop-off box in the rain. Fortunately I had some small bags of pet food in the trunk of my car (not having storage space can have its advantages!). After talking to the woman I learned that she is on disability and her lovely dog's name is Cindy. Miss Cindy loves chicken and we were able to accommodate her taste buds and tummy with a few small bags of chicken dog food. After I explained Project Maddie and what we do, Cindy's mom said "Well isn't this a gift from God" and even took a small bag of cat food for her neighbour! I gave Cindy's Mom Project Maddie's contact information and I know we'll be seeing sweet Cindy and her Mom again. Thank you to those who made this unexpected but very moving and rewarding experience possible. Never underestimate the impact a small act of kindness can have on others.

Volunteer Appreciation Week: Thank you!

We love our volunteers! It's National Volunteer Week in Canada. An estimated 12.5 million Canadians volunteer their time to bring positive changes to their communities. Special thanks to everyone who has contributed time and energy to help us keep people and pets together. We couldn't do what we do without you. Special thanks to Elysa P., Patti M., Matthew M., Le-Ann P., Kasey B., Vera K., Clare P., Pet Valu (North Service Road, Oakville) Marilyn at For the Love of Animals (Toronto), Judy at The Ark Spaw and Pet Emporium (Oakville), and Sommer at Flirt Custom Lash Studios. If you'd like to volunteer for Project Maddie as a driver, board member, outreach ambassador, social media liaison, special events ambassador, one of Maddie's Angels (assisting seniors in need of assistance with dog walking) or any other volunteer position please drop us a line! projectmaddie at gmail dot com. We'd love to hear from you!

Spring 2012

Project Maddie turns 2 years old this month! What started as a simple request to help a low-income family on the verge of having to give up their Golden Retriever Maddie has turned in to a legacy that continues to help pet owners in need all across the Greater Toronto Area.

While a handful of our projects garner media attention, most of our work is done quietly behind the scenes. Networking with pet supply stores to have food donated, purchasing what cannot be donated, speaking with pet owners who often need a friendly and compassionate person to listen to their stories almost as much as they need help for their pets, and of course picking up and delivering food.

Some of the people we help are seniors, some are people with disabilities on a very fixed income, and some have recently lost their jobs due to the economic down turn. Some have dogs, many have cats, and they all have 2 things in common:

1. They love their pets and desperately need the love and companionship their pets give them.

2. They can't believe that a perfect stranger cared enough to extend a helping hand when they were at their lowest point and on the verge of giving up.

In the spirit of Project Maddie's (second!) birthday we have put together a wish list of items that are urgently needed for us to continue our work through the summer.


* Cat litter - almost never donated, a gift of $15 dollars will provide a large box of cat litter for a family

* Transportation - one of our largest expenses, a gift of $15 will allow us to pick up, transport and deliver food to a family almost anywhere in the GTA

* Food - we're often fortunate enough to have some sort of stockpile but right now we do not have any food. A gift of $25 will purchase a good sized bag of quality cat food. A gift of $50 will purchase a good sized bag of quality dog food.

* Post Office Box - a gift of $20 per month will provide us with a post office box which is important to keep Project Maddie operating

* Helpline - a gift of $75 per month will keep our help line going. Our help line is available 14 hours a day, seven days a week including holidays.

* Sponsorship (one month) - a gift of $35 will sponsor a family for a month. It will provide food, transportation, parking, and avoid having to put families on a waiting list.

* Sponsorship (one year) - a gift of $420 will sponsor a family for an entire year! Some of our clients only require assistance temporarily however seniors and people living with disabilities require long-term support.


On behalf of Project Maddie and the families thank you for making this two year anniversary possible. We wouldn't be able to do it without you.