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Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD Mall traffic was light and donations were slim, Laura Maceyka, director of Public Relations for Animal Shelter Renovation Inc., said while sitting at a table at the Holyoke Mall during the Quarter Mile Fundraiser to collect a mile's worth of quarters, totaling $15,840. The fundraiser, which took place from May 30 - June 2 only raised $1,300, however, neither she, nor Joanne Perry, treasurer for this non-profit organization, were willing to give up their mission to establish a no-kill animal shelter. Their goal is to establish the shelter by the time the city of Westfield's contract expires with the town of Southwick's animal shelter on June 30. In an interview with Reminder Publications last month, Kenneth Frazer, Westfield's Animal Control Officer, also president of Animal Shelter Renovation Inc., said he was unaware of where the stray animals would be kept after June 30. He explained that he's sent approximately 100 animals to the Southwick shelter this year, adding that after 30 days in the shelter, they do not guarantee that the animals will not be euthanized. Maceyka and Perry explained that they and the other members of Animal Shelter Renovation Inc., have raised approximately $45,000 through various fundraisers. The organization is working toward a fundraising goal of $400,000 to build a shelter somewhere in the greater Westfield area. Maceyka and Perry said their love for animals and animal rights prompted them to become involved with Animal Shelter Renovation Inc. Both said they strongly believe in their organization's mission not to euthanize animals unless they are suffering greatly due to a medical illness or if they pose a health or safety risk not allowing them to be adopted. "If everybody just did a little bit, nobody would have to give a lot," Perry said, adding that the group will begin applying for grants next month. "We want [to build] as big of a facility as we can afford." Maceyka noted that fundraisers have not been planned in the month of July so that she may focus on completing grant applications for the building of the shelter that will rescue and house animals from Westfield and surrounding communities. Other fundraisers will include a Motorcycle Poker Run on June 21 and a golf tournament at Oak Ridge Golf Club in August. Donations to Animal Shelter Renovation Inc., can be mailed to P.O. Box 1815, Westfield, MA 01086-1815 or made at the organization's Web site, www.helphomelessanimals.com. | ||||||
