SCRAPS is a registered non-profit charity that has operated in the community since 2011 and are committed to humanely stabilizing and reducing the feral cat population in the city.
The organization is entirely volunteer-run and is supported through fundraising and donations from corporations and private community donors.
“The TNR mission is to trap and neuter, re-home and release roaming cats that are known as community cats. These are cats who are unowned and have either reverted to being feral or are just homeless and unclaimed,” said SCRAPS chair Anne Marciszyn.
The TNR & Spay & Neuter program works to manage the populations before they explode. This program aids in reducing the number of strays, which will help future generations of cats.
The organization has established colonies in the community which are used to meet the needs of feral cats. TNR makes cats better neighbours.
“All across Canada animals are being euthanized because of space. Our goal is to work with the population that lives outside and try to make sure that they are not having kittens, stabilizing the population of cats,” Marciszyn said.
Cats that have been through the TNR program create a healthier out-door cat community.
This year SCRAPS has found the number of cats to be increasing which makes it difficult to acquire an official number; the number of kittens this year has also been steadily rising. SCRAPS takes in more than 160 cats on average every year.
The organization does not receive formal funding but raises money for their organization through different fundraiser's.
For example, 9 Lives Boutique at the Town N Country Mall is open on Fridays from 12 to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 12 to 5:30 p.m. They have different items for your feline friends that are handmade or donated. The boutique also serves as an adoption centre where anyone can come and meet cats and kittens that are adoptable or take a look around. There are also various in store auctions. The hours will expand closer to the holidays depending on COVID-19 protocols.
Pizza Fur Paws is a fundraiser where residents can get pizza vouchers at the 9 Lives Boutique or at Pet-Value for an extra large pizza of your choice for $15, with a portion of the funds going to SCRAPS. Specialty pizzas are not included. “It’s an awesome deal,” said Marciszyn.
Recycle For SCRAPS And Save A Litter is going all-year round. People can donate their recyclable's by stopping at SARCAN’s drop n go. To avoid the line ups, simply enter “SCRAPS” at the drop n go login-in screen and follow the instructions.
Supurr Stars 2022 Calendar is a new fundraising campaign. SCRAPS is rolling out the red carpet for all the supurr stars in the community. People sent in photos of their pets which are then featured in the calendar. The calendars will be launched shortly and will cost $20 each, available throughout the community and at the 9 Lives Boutique.
Additional information will be passed on through the SCRAPS Facebook Page.
If anyone is interested there are SCRAPS Memberships or Sponsorships available as well.
For more information, about fostering a cat or to donate, please stop by the 9 Lives Boutique in the Town N Country Mall or contact SCRAPS at (306) 684-9048.
