Navigating a Challenging Start to 2024

by | Jan 15, 2024 | News & Animal Updates, Other

This year has been a busy one, and it only just began.

The first two weeks of 2024 have proven to be both challenging and heartwarming for the team here at the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS). Since January 1, we have stepped up to take in an astonishing 218 animals, bringing the total number of animals currently in our care to more than 630 across our veterinary hospital, shelters and foster home network.

Weathering the Storm

The recent brutal cold that we’ve seen here in Alberta has put our teams into overdrive with many animals desperate to get in from the cold. Temperatures plummeted to a bone-chilling -40 degrees Celsius, further intensified by a windchill of -50 degrees – in weather like this, animals that are unable to find warm shelter will likely perish. 

Gratitude to the Community

We have been blown away by the incredible response from the community! We’ve seen a huge surge in applications to join our team of foster homes and we’re so grateful for all of the compassionate families opening up their hearts and homes. The response hasn’t been limited to foster homes either! Volunteers have stepped forward to dedicate their time and energy to ensure all of our shelter animals are well-cared for. Throughout the cold snap, volunteer shift coverage was nearly full with 50+ volunteers coming in to care for the animals each day! We’ve also seen an increase in donations to assist with keeping our animals warm, fed and loved.

Media outlets have also played a key role in amplifying our call for help. News stories have helped spread awareness about the organization’s urgent need for support. Thank you to the journalists and media organizations who stepped up to cover this story – check them out below.

Here’s How You Can Help in 2024

The importance of sharing the stories of animals in need cannot be overstated. Each share on social media platforms helps us reach more people who can collectively make a difference. Please follow our social media channels and continue to share these important stories! 

While we are extremely grateful for the help of the community and proud of how many animals we’ve been able to help in the past two weeks, the work is far from over. We are still seeking foster homes and volunteers to assist with the ongoing care of dogs, cats and various critters. If you can give your time to help, please sign up to foster or volunteer. If you can’t volunteer or foster please consider a small donation to help care for animals in need.  

Together, we can change lives through kindness!