PAAWS struggles to run shelter as donations have not returned to pre-COVID level; hopes upcoming fundraiser will bridge gap

PAAWS Antigua is seeking to raise desperately needed funds to
support its work, as donations have fallen off significantly and the
animal shelter is packed to capacity again.
 
Gemma Handy, the facility’s public relations officer, says financing
for the establishment never picked up following the COVID-19
pandemic.

Handy says there had been a steady stream of donors – to whom she
expressed appreciation for their financial assistance over the years –
contributing through the organization’s PayPal account.
 
However, as a result of the pandemic, donations took a massive hit;
and, four years after COVID, the shelter has not regained most of its
supporters, she reports.
 
While donations still come in – although in small amounts – these
are not enough to meet the running costs of the shelter. Accordingly,
Handy says the situation has reached a dire state and the shelter is
seeking to raise the required funds.
 
She says that, normally, there are about 100 dogs and cats sheltered
at the organization and it takes quite a lot to care for them. Further,
inflation and the increase in the Antigua and Barbuda Sales
Tax (ABST) have impacted the operations of the animal shelter,
Handy says.

The Parham-based animal shelter has undertaken some fundraisers
and is hoping that its upcoming event will raise enough money to
help – as Handy says – “bridge the gap.”
 
On February 17, PAAWS will host a Valentine’s-themed hike,
beginning at 7:30 a.m. from Loose Cannon, the Galleon Beach
restaurant, to raise funds for the shelter. 

That was Gemma Handy, public relations officer for PAAWS
Antigua.

Tickets for a raffle that will be drawn on the beach at 10 a.m., after
the hike, can be sourced from several persons, including at The Ark
Veterinary Centre on Vivian Richards Street.