Well, it’s that time again. Time to celebrate another local Radio Cowichan Hometown Hero. February’s Hometown Heroes are Mick and Barb Bedard, from the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue.
Mick and Barb have been with the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue since six months shy of the society’s inception, 10 years ago. Mick was raised in the Lake Cowichan area and Barb in Youbou. They have been married for 41 years and are parents to two children. They are also the proud pet parents to five cats and two dogs.
Mick and Barb single handedly oversee all aspects of the organization and are helped by approximately nine active volunteers.
In the almost 10 years the couple has worked with the organization between 1,000 and 1,500 animals have been placed in forever homes.
The duties that fill the Bedards’ and the volunteers’ time include fostering, vet visits, the spay and neuter program for both feral and low-income subsided animals, transporting animals to Pet Smart in Duncan where the animals are showcased for public adoptions, bookkeeping, and fundraising to name a few.
Barb does the bookkeeping for the society and her favorite thing to do is to care for newborn kittens. Mick enjoys running the errands and dealing with all aspects of the Pet Smart adoption programs. You will see them rain or shine with their raffle table at the entrance of Country Grocer on a regular basis along with volunteers and their daughter Terrie. For Mick and Barb the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue has become a full time job and a lifetime passion.
Other than the endless commitment to this important cause, most impressive is the scope of services the Lake Cowichan Animal Rescue provides to its footprint area, which extends from Skutz Falls through Lake Cowichan to Youbou, Honeymoon Bay and Mesache Lake. It is worth one’s while, not only to check out the society’s website at www.lakecowichananimalrescue.com or its Facebook page, but also to support this incredible grassroots society with cash, donations, or volunteer hours.
A big thank you to Lake Cowichan’s Pet Emporium, your local destination for your pets needs and for a generous donation to the society under the Hometown Hero umbrella.
A belated thank you to Country Grocer for their donation of a gift card to last month’s Hometown Hero. Don’t forget to give a listen to Radio Cowichan on its new location, 97.5 FM, which can now be received throughout Lake Cowichan, Youbou, Honeymoon Bay and Mesachie Lake.
Pauline Campbell staffs Radio Cowichan’s Public Affairs desk.