KAWS finds animals forever homes

By Joan Janzen

KINDERSLEY - Kindersley’s KAWS group held a successful garage sale fundraiser on Saturday, June 21st. Thanks to the generosity of the community, they raised a grand total of $3,484.10! The group received a lot of additional help from people who volunteered their time and resources to make the day a success.

Tabatha Cherwenuk, President of KAWS, said ninety percent of the organization’s funds come from fundraisers like the garage sale. The remaining ten percent is procured from donations and grants. “Every dime we make goes into the direct care of the animals, vetting, food, kennels and litter,” she explained.

This irresistible brother-sister duo are named Sugar and Spice. Photo by Tabatha Cherwenuk

Tabatha currently has a litter of kittens in her care, who are appropriately named Eeny, Meeny, Miny, and Moe. Photo by Tabatha Cherwenuk

This is Ash, who is part of the Fire Bugs (also known as Ember and Blaze), the newly weaned bottle babies KAWS have in their care. Photo by Tabatha Cherwenuk

KAWS is a foster-based rescue organization based in Kindersley. The volunteer board consists of ten members who “take in animals that are not owned and need to find a forever home,” Tabatha said. “Typically, we all have jobs outside of KAWS, and many of our board members foster as well.”

They’re a dedicated group that takes in as many animals as they are able to foster. “We never have enough foster homes and would love more,” she said. “The demand far exceeds our ability to intake.”

The ten board members each have specific roles … intake, foster coordinator, Facebook, answering messages, fundraising, treasurer, and secretary; together, they work well as a team. Joining Tabatha are Vice-President Catherine McMillian, Secretary Stephanie McKee, and Shannon Klassen, Treasurer and one of the original founders of KAWS.

Board members are Lindsay MacKinnon, Melinda Ells, Anna Veldhoen, Krystal Billet, Kevin Martin, Corinne Salisbury, and Erin Horbay (who is on maternity leave).

KAWS currently has three adult cats and eighteen kittens in their care and just completed a dog adoption. So you can see they are very busy and welcome anyone who is interested in helping out. To either apply to foster or adopt - send a message or fill out an application on the KAWS website at www.kaws.ca