Sweet! Local bakers help animal shelter surpass fundraising goal (3 photos) - MidlandToday

This year's National Cupcake Day was an exceptionally sweet one for the local OSPCA.

"We're currently at $11,388.30 and some businesses continue to run fundraisers through the month of March, so I hope to reach $12,000," Midland Animal Centre community development coordinator Robin Elliott said.

The major mid-winter fundraiser had an initial goal of $10,000.

"This is an amazing outcome," Elliott said. "Last year saw $10,137 coming in, so I'm incredibly grateful to our amazing community!"

This year's campaign received major helping hands from a trio of bakers, including 11-year-old Abbie MacLean, who raised $3,130 during the cupcake event. Local OPP officer Sam Sothourn raised $2,150, and Keltie Smith from Sweet Tooth Cupcakes raised $5,330.

Elliott said funds will be used for general animal care and any major cases that come the shelter's way.

"We are also currently trying to retrofit the centre with cat trees, which are easier to sanitize from potential pathogens through a company called Kuranda )," she said.

"These towers can be quite expensive but our hope is to get 10 to put through the cat rooms. If people would like to donate one to us, they can do so (here).

Elliott said there are also plans in the works to purchase additional enrichment tools for cats, dogs and small animals, "all with the goal of keeping animals happy and healthy while they are in our care."

The local animal shelter is also seeking volunteers who want to help be a "driving force" in helping animals.

The Ontario SPCA is looking for multi-day drivers with an A, AZ or D licence to deliver much needed resources and assist with re-homing initiatives.

They're also looking for local drivers to support their community outreach programs through activities such as transferring animals between animal centres to find loving families, delivering food to food banks and delivering supplies to various community partner locations.

The provincial animal transfer hub in Midland is also seeking volunteers to provide hands-on support with the important daily tasks that keep the animals happy and healthy. 

To learn more, click here.

Sweet! Local bakers help animal shelter surpass fundraising goal (3 photos) - MidlandToday