APARC co-creator Sam Sandidge and general manager Kaylyn Genio show off some of the donated baked goods on sale now through Sunday in the annual Holiday fundraiser at the animal rescue centre.--NEWS PHOTO JALYCE THOMPSON
APARC has two events happening this weekend to raise money for the 60 animals it currently has in its shelter.
Kaylyn Genio, APARC general manager for the past four years, said the annual bake sale and the Facebook silent auction, Coming Home for the Holidays, are happening until Sunday.
The bake sale has bread and desserts, which are donated by local businesses and Hatters. A variety of homemade dog treats are also offered at the bake sale.
“This community is amazing. They’ve always stepped up,” said Genio, adding that people are always willing to help the animals.
This is the fourth annual bake sale for APARC for four years, with donations this year from McBrides Bakery, Dees Baked Goods and Eats on 8th, as well as a financial donation from Safeway.
APARC puts on as many events as it can, as monthly vetting costs run up to $10,000.
Genio says there was an instance in the summer where the intake was high and adoption rates were low, but the community came together to assist in finding homes for the strays.
“The community came to sponsor adoptions, they put cats in new homes, and we got a whole bunch of donations,” said Genio.
Genio said in 2019, APARC received 1,162 cats and 500 dogs, while adopting out 1,112 cats and 49, respectively. Because citizens of Medicine Hat have contributed to find these stray animals homes, APARC has never had to euthanize due to space being an issue.
APARC has partnered with the Animal Medical Centre in Dunmore, and in early January they’re opening a low-cost spay and neuter program in the hopes of reducing numbers.
“If we can do something to offer a lower cost (spay and neuter program) to the public, it can help a lot of people,” said Genio.
Not only is the program something APARC is looking forward to in 2020, but Sam Sandidge, the co-creator of APARC, says they will be opening The Page and Whisker in early January for Hatters to enjoy a book while surrounded by adoptable cats.
“Once we are approved for our business licence, we’ll be opened,” said Sandidge.
The Page and Whisker is located at 601 Second St. SE and the bake sale at APARC is located at 1002 S. Railway St.
