Dear Friends of Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter,
As the Founder and Executive Director of Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all our incredible donors, volunteers, and adopters who have stood by us in our mission to save and rehome animals. Your unwavering support enables us to provide shelter, care, and love to countless animals in need. Each donation, hour of volunteering, and adoption makes a profound difference in their lives, and we are truly grateful for your compassion and generosity.
I would also like to sincerely thank everyone who responded so generously when we recently put out a plea for financial aid. Your kindness and willingness to step forward during a critical time meant more than words can express. While that support made an immediate difference, the Shelter’s need for financial assistance is ongoing. The rising costs of veterinary care, food, and daily operations continue to increase significantly, and the responsibility of running a No-Kill shelter is enormous.
This year has brought both challenges and new opportunities to connect with our community. The number of animals arriving at our doors has been overwhelming, with more cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies needing our help every single day. Many are coming to us in critical condition, requiring urgent and complex surgeries, amputations, torn ACL repairs, and other life-saving procedures often costing thousands of dollars per animal. At the same time, we have seen donations decline by approximately 45% as more wonderful animal organizations emerge. While we celebrate the growth of compassion in our community, it has created added pressure on our resources. As a brick-and-mortar shelter, our operational and medical costs are significant and constant. We urgently ask for your continued support through e-transfers, our Formstack page, or PayPal, and we are also pleased to now accept donations in the form of stocks.
We are also excited to launch our quarterly newsletter, where we will share the stories behind our work, highlight animals in need of homes, provide a wish list, feature a Q&A with our veterinarian, promote upcoming events, and celebrate successful adoptions through our “Happy Tails” stories.
I am immensely blessed to work alongside a team of extraordinary staff at the Shelter. Their dedication to the animals is nothing short of remarkable, and they give selflessly every day to ensure every pet in our care feels safe and loved. Together, with your support, we can continue to provide a lifeline to the animals who need us most. Thank you for standing with us through these challenging times and for your unwavering commitment to the welfare of animals in our community.
With gratitude and hope,
Carla Martinelli-Irvine
Founder & Executive Director
Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter
