Loretta, who spends her days outside on the Downtown Eastside, has been looking after her sister’s dog Beans while she has been ill in the hospital. She wanted to do something nice for her sister when she is reunited with her beloved dog, but she couldn’t afford a gift. Luckily, VHS was offering free pet supplies in Pigeon Park for our Because They Matter event this weekend. Loretta dropped by VHS’s table and picked up a better-fitting harness and collar for Beans.
Loretta is just one of the hundreds of people VHS staff and volunteers connected with at our first-ever Because They Matter fundraising and outreach event.
During the event, staff and volunteers handed out harnesses, leashes, collars, blankets, toys, water bowls, plant-based dog treats, and resources for veterinary assistance to happy animals and grateful guardians who spend their days on the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
You can see some of the happy recipients of these care items in the photos below.
Participants also raised more than $12,000 for vital animal protection efforts.
We would like to thank the amazing participants, donors, and sponsors who made this event possible, including local businesses:
Want to participant in or donate toward this years Because They Matter event? You can sign up or donate using the link below! Thank you for helping to build a kinder world for animals!