Across the Pembina Valley, ONE Insurance branches are rallying communities to help pets in need. In celebration of National Cat Day on Aug. 8 and National Dog Day on Aug. 26, the company’s social committee has launched Paws Across the Prairies — a month-long donation drive to support local animal rescues and shelters.
From Aug. 1 to 31, pet supplies and monetary donations can be dropped off at ONE Insurance branches in Carman, Dominion City, Altona, Letellier, St. Jean, Manitou, Morden, Somerset, Swan Lake and Winkler. Region 7 donations will benefit St. Jean Hearts for Strays, while Region 8 contributions will go to the Pembina Valley Humane Society. Both organizations work to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need, relying heavily on volunteers and community support.
St. Jean Hearts for Strays focuses on helping stray and abandoned animals in the St. Jean area, providing them with food, shelter, and veterinary care until they can be placed in permanent homes. The Pembina Valley Humane Society serves a larger catchment area in southern Manitoba, offering shelter, adoption services, and outreach programs aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership.
ONE Insurance’s involvement began when members of its social committee sought a way to connect staff with a cause everyone could support. August’s pet awareness dates made it the perfect time, and each region was encouraged to select a local rescue to champion. The result is Paws Across the Prairies, with a friendly competition between branches to collect the most donations.
“Everyone loves animals, so we put our heads together to do something good while having a friendly competition between the offices,” the committee said in a release. “Each ONE Insurance region chose a different rescue to support, and we hope this becomes an annual initiative.”
Donations can include wet or dry dog and cat food, treats, toys, puppy pads, pet care supplies, old towels, facecloths, and financial contributions.
“Every item counts and every donation helps,” the committee added. “These rescues operate almost entirely on donations and volunteer support, so community help is essential.”
The Paws Across the Prairies initiative runs until Aug. 31, with collection bins at all participating branches. Supplies and funds raised will go directly to St. Jean Hearts for Strays and the Pembina Valley Humane Society to help care for animals currently in foster homes or awaiting adoption.
For more information, visit any participating branch or contact ONE Insurance.
