Monday, November 9, 2009

How do you move an Animal Sanctuary???



With the help of a whole bunch of animal loving friends, that’s how. Hearts on Noses, the only potbellied pig sanctuary in western Canada, is moving. Regular followers of my blog will remember Scotch and Soda and their ten piglets whom I fostered for Hearts on Noses for nearly two years - they stole my heart and I know they touched the hearts of many readers. Now they, and the other 26 piggies at the sanctuary (as well as two horses, two cats, a dog, a turtle and a guinea pig) need help to get from the old sanctuary property in Maple Ridge to their new home twenty minutes down the road in west Mission.

It's a huge job. Possession of the new place is November 12th; the move must be completed by November 30th. With animal welfare groups, including Hearts on Noses, no longer having access to Gaming grants, money is tighter than ever. Janice Gillett, who runs Hearts on Noses, needs people/companies willing to donate or provide at low cost flatdecks and "high abs" (those machines that can lift sheds onto flatdecks) to move the piggy houses, horse trailers to move the piggies, and the people to operate the machinery, tow the trailers, help with the piggies, move the supplies, prepare the grounds, etc. etc.


There are jobs for everyone, and some of the timing can be flexible (weekends, weekdays, whatever suits you best). Individuals or teams of helpers welcome. How about getting a group of your friends or co-workers together and donating a day?? How about persuading your company to hold a "corporate community service day" by getting everyone out to pitch in? What about your place of business holding a fundraiser or taking up a collection to help the sanctuary? Would your company challenge its biggest competitor to raise more money or provide more hands to benefit the sanctuary?

If you are able to help, or if you know someone in the transport industry who might help, or someone in construction, or someone with a horse trailer, or if you can help with a donation, please contact Janice at heartsonnoses@shaw.ca or phone the sanctuary at 604-463-4059.

Feel free to copy this blog entry and circulate it among your friends and coworkers. Please spread the word. The piggies will thank you.

Hearts on Noses is a registered charity, and tax receipts can be provided.