SEREMBAN – The Furrykids Safehaven Society for the Rescue of Stray Animals here is set to mark the inauguration of its new shelter facility in Kuala Sawah, near here, by hosting a masquerade-themed gala dinner to raise funds.
In an effort to keep operations at the shelter financially sustainable, Furrykids Safehaven president Kiran Bhatt said its management decided to organise a fund-raising dinner for its supporters to showcase the new site where over 2,000 rescued dogs are being housed and cared for.
“This fundraiser aims to raise about RM200,000 to help FurryKids Safehaven stay afloat as well as to furnish its treatment room with adequate equipment, which is estimated to reach the cost of RM60,000.
“This gala dinner also raises money to cover the shelter’s operating costs and the costs of saving and caring for almost 2,000 dogs,” she said in a statement.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic halted gatherings and triggered lockdowns, this dinner, she said, is the first proper sit-down function to be organised in three years.
“The gala dinner will be held on November 5, which is also the two-year anniversary of the tragic flood catastrophe that occurred in the small hours of the morning.”
“This new location (in Kuala Sawah) was chosen out of desperation, because we had to move all of our dogs quickly to higher, safer ground after flash floods badly damaged our old shelter in Mambau on November 4, 2020.
“Over 50 of our dogs died in the fast-flowing waters, which was heartbreaking and terrible.
“We will never forget those dogs.
“Despite devastated spirits, we understood instantly that we had to boost ourselves up by sourcing a new land that is not only higher and more secure but also bigger in space for all of over 2,000 dogs to free and wander.
“A lot of blood, sweat, and tears were shed to make sure the shelter was well-designed, safe, and practical for the dogs,” she said.
By January 1, 2021, Kiran said, they had successfully moved 400 dogs into this space, but noted that the shelter’s construction was still a long way from completion.
“At the time, we had little alternative but to complete the work in phases due to budgetary constraints.
“Nonetheless, we were grateful to have our shelter’s founders, Liza Sharif, Sathia, and Chin, at our side every step of the journey.
“Now, we are pleased to say that the construction has been fully completed, with the administrative office and dog treatment room being the final additions.
“We committed to protect the safety of our dogs so that they are never again engulfed by torrential floods and put in jeopardy on a 2.67ha, multi-level platform,” she added.
The venue of the gala dinner will be at the Regent Hall, Seremban, with incumbent MP Anthony Loke being a guest of honour for the event.
The dinner is an eight-course Chinese menu with halal and vegetarian options available upon request.
Entertainment for the evening will be provided by a line-up of performers and entertainers.
Additionally, there will also be auction sessions featuring some amazing pieces and collectibles, as well as a Raffles Lucky Draw.
For information, enquiries or reservation for the gala dinner, please contact Rohini Harichandra via email: [email protected] or mobile at 019 6625 233. – The Vibes, 30 October 2022
