4-H Club Raises Money for Dog Shelter
at Domestic Violence Facility
By Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H
When a group of Mason County 4-H’ers learned about a proposed dog shelter being built at a nearby domestic violence facility they knew they wanted to help.
Ten members of the Phoenix Rising 4-H club, along with two adult volunteers, sprang into action to decide the best way to raise money so women in the Turning Pointe Domestic Violence Services program in Shelton could bring their large breed dogs with them during their stay. Their answer: sell homemade dog treats.
“It was fun making the dog treats,” said 10 year-old Jessica. “I was learning something new and I was helping someone else at the same time.”
Youth packaged over 200 dog treat bags and offered them for in-kind donations at three community events. Members also sent out letters to family and friends about their service project and how they could get involved. One-thousand dollars was collected to help build the dog shelter which was presented to Turning Pointe Executive Director Cheryl Cathcart in February. Dog beds, a wire kennel and supplies were also donated to the club for the facility.
“Our kids learned that life isn’t always easy for people,” said Michelle Schreiber who volunteers with the primarily dog 4-H club. “These youth adore dogs and wanted to help so abuse victims would not have to be separated from their beloved pets.” Currently Turning Pointe allows smaller dogs and other animals but clients with larger dogs can not be accommodated.
Phoenix Rising also secured lumber for the project through a 4-H member. A local contractor is donating his time to construct the shelter which will have four kennels.
“It’s important these people have their cherished animals with them like we do,” added Jessica. “We are helping them bring what they love with them.”
Mason County 4-H Club, Phoenix Rising, presents a check to
Cheryl Cathcart of Turning Pointe Domestic Violence Services.
Posted April 2011
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