Our Mission
To promote the well-being and safety of animals in Campbell River area through education, recovery of lost pets, and maintenance of community & feral cats including TNR (trap-neuter-return) and liaison with other rescue organizations.
Who We Are
In 2014, a dedicated group of volunteers came together to support the care of Campbell River’s community and feral cats. Their efforts focused on managing feral colonies, implementing trap-neuter-release programs, placing barn cats, and socializing semi-feral kittens and cats. This initiative marked the beginning of CRPAWS, and these core objectives continue to drive our mission today.
In collaboration with the well-known “Lost and Found Animals of Campbell River” Facebook page, our group merged with theirs to pool resources and enhance our efforts.
By 2016, CRPAWS officially became a registered Canadian charity. In 2019, we further formalized our operations by incorporating as a BC Registered Society. Our society is entirely run by local volunteers and overseen by a seven-member Board of Directors. While we remain committed to caring for the feral and community cat population, our scope has expanded. We also assist in locating lost animals, advocate for animal welfare, foster and socialize kittens and cats, manage barn cat placements and when funding allows we offer a cat Spay/Neuter Program for people with Limited Incomes.
The 2024-26 board positions are held by:
- Bonnie Kennedy, President
- Joanne McDonald, Vice-President
- Josie Muise, Treasurer
- Karen Ingle, Board Member at Large
- Emily Niesen, Board Member at Large
Our mandate is community cats so when we locate friendly cats or kittens they are surrendered to the local SPCA. If they are at capacity, we hold and care for them until they can be transferred. Often residents find animals during the evenings and weekends when the SPCA is closed so for their safety we hold them till they’re open and are able to accept. Our goal is to supplement the work the SPCA does for animals but not duplicate it. We network regularly to facilitate the best treatment and outcome for animals.
Funding Sources
- Government of British Columbia Grant
- Grassroots fundraising by members (crafts at markets, fundraisers, on-line auctions, raffles, beverage container recycling)
- BC SPCA grants for our TNR (trapping and neutering) program from 2017-2022
- First Nations Bands matching donations for TNR
- Fundraising events initiated by local businesses
- Corporate sponsorship of Low Income Spay/Neuter Program
- Private donors and foundations