Outreach Update: April is KCHA Animal Month at St. John’s
The outreach committee is excited to announce our newest partnership with the Kanawha-Charleston- Humane Association, also known as KCHA. There are wonderful staff and volunteers who serve unsheltered animals of Kanawha County. At any time, there are over one hundred fifty, or more animals in their shelter, foster homes, or available for adoption. These dogs arrive by being surrendered or found as strays; many require immediate medical attention.
We’ve designated April as KCHA Animal Month at St. John’s! The outreach committee will have a fund drive for the entire month. We’ll work with the staff of KCHA to evaluate and identify their immediate needs, donating supplies, sponsoring animals, or donating money. Rob Plume, a St. John’s parishioner and certificated yoga instructor will also be offering two yoga classes on April 20th at St. John’s with all proceeds going to KCHA. In addition, we are planning a St. John’s Volunteer Day at KCHA, where parishioners can meet the dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies; help with walking these amazing animals, working the front desk, and any other duties the shelter needs. This would be held over a weekend.
This support is particularly needed at KCHA after the events of March 27th when a Uhaul Driver lost control of his truck and ran into the side of KCHA’s building that housed the dog kennels. Luckily only one dog sustained minor injuries, and the shelter was able to get the vast majority of the dogs into short term foster homes as KCHA, local first responders, and structural engineers determine the impact on the building and what repairs will be needed to bring dogs safely back into the building. The cat wing of the building was unaffected by the incident. While KCHA Animal Month at St. John’s was planned before this event took place, it makes this event even more timely. We know there are a lot of animal lovers and pets among our members and are sure there will be plenty of interest in these plans. Please watch This Week at St. John’s for further updates and give Scott a call if you have questions.
