Fundraiser supports sanctuary for rescued farm animals
Welland event will benefit Port Colborne’s Grey’s Haven Farm Sanctuary
The Niagara community is teaming up to support a sanctuary for rescued farm animals in Port Colborne.
A “Nice Cream Social” fundraiser on Sunday will support Grey’s Haven Farm Sanctuary, a Port-Colborne based safe haven for rescued farm animals, as well as home-between-homes for cats and other animals. The event is presented by Sweet Sunshine Ice Cream and Lady Luck Pin-Ups Photography Studio, with the support of The Vegan Hippie Chick, which hosts the event at its 91 East Main St. restaurant in Welland.
The fundraiser runs 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature free ice cream, appetizers, live music, prizes and an auction table with a variety of items and gift certificates. Admission is pay-whatyou-can. All proceeds from the event will benefit Grey’s Haven, which seeks support from donors to assist with feeding its animals, veterinary care, housing, shelter and facility improvements, as well as community outreach.
The sanctuary’s mission is to educate through connecting people with animals and promoting compassion for all living beings. Recently launched, it also promotes a cruelty-free, plantbased lifestyle through its efforts at the sanctuary.
Founder Michelle Caza says she has been rescuing on her own for years, but started rescuing and rehabilitating animals in 2016. It was through conversation with a friend with similar interests that they ended up starting the sanctuary on a 9.2-hectare woodland.
“We thought there is enough need that we would be able to do a lot more if we moved forward with a sanctuary,” said Caza, who plans to incorporate Grey’s Haven and then apply for nonprofit, charitable status later this year.
To date the sanctuary has six chickens, five ducks, one goose and six goats, including the newest it saved from an auction just a week ago.
“He’s the cutest little guy. He was only a week old when we got him, and he was only about three pounds,” says Caza, who also has animals that were rescued from dairy farms.
The farm also has a few permanent residents — four dogs and some cats.
“We’ve had a great response. The involvement from the community has been overwhelming,” says Caza.
Funds raised, she says, are crucial as the sanctuary begins to grow.
“It really is so important, helping us improve the facilities and ensure (the animals) have the care and home that they deserve,”
For more information on the event, visit www.facebook.com/ events/2169993406582584. For more information on the sanctuary, visit greyshavenfarmsanctuary.com.