On February 18, 2006 the first ever Paws for Life Adoption Fair took place in Victoria. It was only a few short weeks from the time that Lynn Crandon and myself had the idea to showcase small rescue groups and the animals they had for adoption to the local community. We managed to pull together a small organizing committee and get a local website that promotes the adoption of animals needing homes ( http://victoriaadoptables.com/ ) to "host" the event.

Twelve small rescue groups participated and we feel that the event was a tremendous success. When we opened the doors at 10am there was a line up of people eager to find a new family companion. In a 6 hour period we had applications to adopt many of the animals and in some cases there were several applications for one animal! The small rescue groups received quite a bit of exposure and many signed up new foster homes. Donations received at the fair came to just over $5300 of which %100 per cent went to a special needs fund for local animals. We have also received inquiries from a couple of other corporations who would like to provide sponsorship next year.

Now that all the applications have been reviewed and home checks completed the final figures have just come in and 14 cats and 6 dogs found new homes as a result of this adoption fair. All of these animals came from foster homes so valuable foster space has been freed up.

Lynn and I thought that maybe other groups might like to organize a similar event so we have begun to put together a manual detailing all the things we did and also what we would do differently next time. We would be delighted to provide an emailed copy to any small rescue group who would like one.

Please contact me directly:
marionb@telus.net

For the animals,
Marion Boulstridge