UPPER NAPPAN, N.S. - Whenever the L.A. Animal Shelter has issued a call for help the community has always been quick to respond.
The shelter is hosting a major fundraiser on Saturday at the Amherst Curling Club and its members are hopeful the community will once again show its support.
The Tails and Ales Beer Fest is set from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the curling club with music by Derailed.
“Beer gardens have traditionally well supported in Amherst and we’re hoping this one will too because of its importance,” shelter president Barb Bowes said. “The money raised will go to support the operation of the shelter.”
It costs more than $150,000 annually to operate the animal shelter. Amherst and the Municipality of Cumberland provide an annual grant to the organization that is run by a volunteer board of directors. Bowes said the organization really appreciates that support from the town and county, but that funding is well short of what’s necessary to cover things such as food, veterinary bills and upkeep of what – despite recent upgrades – is still an older building.
The shelter holds numerous fundraisers each year, including its annual calendar, while other community organizations and businesses frequently host their own fundraisers for the shelter or supply donations of cat and dog food.
Several months ago, the Apothic Inn Bed and Breakfast in Amherst hosted a tea in support of the shelter that included three sittings.
“It really brings a tear to your eye when you think of the support we get from the community. We are the voice for these animals and we have to be innovative with our fundraising ideas,” she said.
Bowes said Karen Cormier came up with the idea of the beer fest and with the help of her daughter, Tamara Porter, was able to arrange the music and organize the event.
“Karen took the lead on this project and suggested the idea of a beer fest,” Bowes said. “She has done a lot of work preparing for this.”
Tickets are $12 and can be picked up from shelter board members as well as at the shelter, Buds to Blossoms, Copper Tree Boutique, Shur Gain Feeds & Needs and Glamorama.
People who want to make a financial donation can bring it to the shelter or mail to 798 Smith Road, Amherst, B4H 3Y4.
Twitter: @ADNdarrell
