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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, November 5, 2015 | 10 Cat-man campaign raised $26K for humane society by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff An unusual and light-hearted campaign to draw attention to the crisis of cat over-population and challenge of finding lost pets has raised more than $26,000 for the Oakville and Milton Humane Society (OMHS). "The population of homeless cats in Canada is growing and shelters across the country are bursting with stray and surrendered cats," said Lisa Ashby, OMHS fund development manager. "The Oakville and Milton Humane Society's `Missing Cat-Man Campaign' was a light-hearted way to highlight a serious crisis... cats need our help." The campaign, which grabbed national attention and garnered donations from across Canada, included putting up posters for the missing `Cat-Man', and setting up a hotline where people could report sightings and sponsor local resident Andrew Shannon for this year's Oakville Half Marathon. Two years ago, Shannon donned cat ears and a tail to run in the Oakville Half Marathon and raise awareness and funds for the OMHS. Known as Cat-Man, he raised more than $6,000 to assist the care of the abundance of cats at OMHS. His actions motivated the entire OMHS Animal Protective Services Team and volunteers to run in this year's Oakville Half Marathon, At right, holding cheque, Kim Millan, OMHS executive director. At left, holding cheque, Andrew "Cat-Man" Shannon and his wife, Marion, behind him. The recent cheque presentation took place at the Oakville and Milton Humane Society, amidst supporters, OMHS staff and members of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). | submitted photo which took place Sept. 27. "The campaign would not have been possible without Andrew and (his wife) Marion Shannon who came to the rescue -- again," said Ashby. The OMHS does not receive government funding to care or find homes for the animals and relies on community support, she noted. "With 236 cats in our care, we needed help," Ashby said. "We used the `Cat-Signal' and the Shannons dove in with boundless energy and passion. They're genuine. They really care and want to improve the welfare of vulnerable animals." In addition to local sponsorships, Shannon's work offered to match every donation made in his name for the Cat-Man Campaign, helping him raise a total of $26,310 for the OMHS. "Out of the blue, this most amazing family arrived and with their drive, passion and energy for making a difference, they made a monumental difference to the lives of the animals and the staff," said Ashby. "On behalf of the animals, we want to thank the Shannons, and every person who ran, cared, sponsored, donated and helped. You have helped to make miracles happen. Thank you." Ashby noted the success of the OMHS's Lost and Found department, developed by staffer Paula Fleming. "This year, 30 per cent of the stray cats and 94 per cent of the dogs have been reunited with their families, compared to the national average of less than one per cent for cats and 30 per cent for dogs," said Ashby. Despite its success and the efforts of the Lost and Found staff, 70 per cent of stray cats at OMHS are still never claimed, according to Andrea Barker, manager of OMHS Animal Care. "Lost cats are often not spayed or neutered and rarely have identification when they arrive at the OMHS," she said. That's why OMHS is encouraging pet owners to microchip their little critters by offering a voucher for the procedure when a donation of $50 or more is made to the local animal shelter. For more information, visit omhs.ca. www.oakville.ca prot Leaf Collection Fall Loose ct. October 13 to November 27 insp i r e. Loose leaves will be collected from designated areas in Oakville as follows: Date October 13 to 16 October 19 to 23 October 26 to 30 Zone Date con e ect. e rst step is to dream. You're invited to join us as we set the stage for one of the most creative, inclusive and compelling projects. The Downtown Plan brings together an extraordinary opportunity for this community to dream! n 4, 5, 6, 7 December 5,November 2 to 6 2013 1, 3, 9, 10Oakville Centre November 9Performing to 13 1, 3, 10, A us to find out more and share your ideas with us! for the Arts Join 7 p.m. RSVP 4, 5 November 16 to 20 4, 5, 6, 7, B, to: C 905-845-6601, ext. 7529 or boxoffice@oakville.ca November 23 to 27 1, 3, 9, 10 Downtown Plan launch The Town of Oakville is launching two major studies -- The Downtown Cultural Hub and the Downtown Transportation and Streetscape Study. This launch is the start of several months of community Zone engagement. Our expert panel will discuss how the town can build a community that embraces culture and supports and encourages all of us to make a difference in our town and in each other's lives. 9, 6, 7 Budget Open Houses Collection guidelines Saturday, November 23 from 10 to 11 a.m. · Place all loose leaves on the boulevard or on the shoulder, not over catch basins or in the ditches in front of Iroquois Ridge Community Centre, 1051 Glenashton Drive your house. Be informed. 4 from 7 or tostones. 8 p.m. · Ensure leaves free of garbage or other yard waste materials Wednesday, such as brush, December branches, large twigs Be part ofare the Budget process. Woodside Library, 1274 Rebecca Street · Put leaves out no earlier than seven days before the first day of your pickup and no later than 7 a.m. on the first day of collection in your zone. 2014 Budget Tuesday, November 26 at 7 p.m. Public delegations Friday, December 6 at 9:30 a.m. Public delegations Thursday, December 12 at 1 p.m. Budget Committee deliberations Monday, December 16 at 7 p.m. Council approval of 2014 budget All submissions whether in person, writing, email or social media, will be considered as part of the Budget Committee deliberations. Those wishing to appear before the Budget Committee as a delegate can register by emailing townclerk@oakville.ca or calling 905-815-6015. Can't make the Budget Committee meetings in person? Watch them live on towntv.ca or email your comments to budget@oakville.ca. Visit www.oakville.ca for details. Or join us at our Budget Committee meetings All meetings are open to the public and held in Council Contaminated piles of leaves or leaves that have been put out after Chamber the pickupat dates willHall, not be collected. Homeowners Town 1225 Trafalgar Road. are responsible for removing uncollected leaves. Oakville is committed to striking a healthy balance between Monday, November 18 at 9:30 a.m. Distribution of budget book and overview of 2014 budget offering valued services and programs to residents, making Bagged service in community priorities, and keeping Monday, November 18 at 7 p.m. strategicleaf investments the overall taxcollects increase in lineleaves with inflation. Halton Region bagged and yard waste on the same day as regular garbage This isCouncil a separate 2014 rates and fees pickup. presented to for approval program from the Town of Oakville's loose leaf collection. Visit halton.ca for more information on your waste Please join Councillor Tom Adams, chair of the Budget Thursday, November 21 at 1:30 p.m. collection schedule. Commission budget presentations Committee at this year's Budget Open Houses for an opportunity to learn how your tax dollars are spent. Come Friday, November 22 at 9:30 a.m. For more information on have Oakville's loose leaf collection, contact ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601 or out, ask questions and yourfall say! Commission budget presentations (as required) serviceoakville@oakville.ca.