Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

Holiday Fundraisers to Benefit Animals: Local Adoption Events and Holiday Fundraisers

Dec 03, 2014 01:13AM ● By Local Adoption Events and Holiday Fundraisers

Natural Awakenings acknowledges all the hard-working and dedicated animal adoption/rescue organizations in this region and beyond. These organizations – many staffed almost exclusively by volunteers - work long hours to save, foster and nurture animals of all types and sizes. Many of the animals have been neglected, abused, abandoned or on the streets their entire lives. Several local sanctuaries have been in business for close to 30 years while others are just getting started. Awareness of the animal overpopulation problem in our nation is growing and there is an increasing trend of fostering and pet adoption as people reject buying animals and instead embrace how amazing rescued animals can be.
Even if you’re not interested or able to get involved personally by volunteering, adopting or fostering an animal, you can support the work of these organizations by making monetary donations or participating in one of their many fundraising activities during this holiday season. Wonderful gifts can be found while supporting the efforts of local organizations for a great cause.

Community Cats
PO Box 4380, Stamford • [email protected] • CommunityCatsCT.org

Community Cats will have an annual fundraising newsletter posted on its Facebook page at Facebook.com/CommunityCatsCT. Hard copies will also be available in December at Petco at 431 Westport Ave, Norwalk. In 2015, the organization will start a volunteer recruiting drive for those eager to make a difference in cats’ lives as Community Cats expands its assistance program to Bridgeport.

Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS)
147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel • 203-744-3297 • Daws.org

In 2015, DAWS will be focusing on building a new and larger shelter. Donations to support this effort are appreciated.

New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare (NFSAW)
223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield • 203-746-2925 • NFSAW.org

NFSAW’s Annual Holiday Boutique will take place on December 6 from 10am to 4pm. The event includes, pictures with Santa, bake sale items, raffle items, hundreds of cat and dog products, handmade crochet and knit items, live wreaths, NFSAW logo t-shirts, holiday centerpieces, hand-crafted ornaments, jewelry and other Christmas accessories and décor.
NFSAW will also be doing an adoption event at the shelter on the first Saturday of every month; In December, this will also take place December 6.

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic
25 Charles St, Stratford • 203-690-1550 • [email protected] • NutmegClinic.org

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is offering holiday wines in different flavors via email order only. Each bottle is $19.99, a portion of which will benefit the Nutmeg Clinic. Each wine features a cat from the organization’s foster program. In mid-December, the clinic will hold its annual Tree of Lights event. Visit NutmegClinic.org for more information.

Pet Animal Welfare Society Inc. (PAWS)
504 Main Ave, Norwalk • 203-750-9572 • PawsCT.org

As a member of the Best Friends Network, PAWS is participating in the Best Friends Holiday Adoption Event. From December 1 through 31, adoptions for all animals are only $25.

Pet Protectors 
2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield (mailing address only) • 203-330-0255 • [email protected] • PetProtectorsRescue.org

Photos with Santa will take place on December 13 from 11am to 3pm at Pet Supplies Plus at 675 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton. Pet Protectors is in need of reliable foster homes for some of its rescued animals. Everything needed is provided by the organization.

Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue (ROAR)
45 South St, Ridgefield • 203-438-0158 • Roar-Ridgefield.org

ROAR will hold an adoption event on December 6 from noon to 3pm at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital, located at 30 Old Quarry Rd, Ridgefield. The organization will be sharing animal pictures with Santa and providing treats for animals and humans.

Strays and Others
PO Box 473, New Canaan • 203-966-6556 • Petfinder.com/Shelters/StraysandOthers.html • Facebook.com/StraysandOthers

Strays & Others will be celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2015. The rescue group has approximately 60 pets currently being fostered. Strays & Others needs more land and resources in order to support all of the animals. Fundraising events will be taking place in 2015.

Stratford Animal Rescue Society (STAR)
Stratford • 203-338-7387 • StratfordAnimalRescue.org

STAR will be holding a Holiday Wreath & Decoration Fundraiser and orders can be placed through the organization’s website. Pick up will be December 6 from 11am to 3pm or December 7 from 1 to 3pm at the Stratford Animal Control Facility, located at 225 Beacon Point Rd, Stratford.

Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA)
1 Tower Ridge, Westport • 203-557-0361 • WestportWasa.org

WASA adopts homeless dogs in Fairfield County with a primary focus on attending to the needs of impounded dogs at the Westport and Bridgeport Animal Control facilities. The rescue group provides funds for their vet care while exercising and training the dogs.

A Photos with Santa event will take place at Westport’s Winslow Park Animal Hospital on December 13 from 1 to 4pm. In lieu of a photo fee, donations will benefit WASA. Westport’s Granola Bar will be on hand with hot chocolate and baked goods. WASA volunteers will be there as well with dogs available for adoption. For additional information, contact Winslow Park Animal Hospital at 203-226-5555 or WASA at 203-557-0361.

 

Leslie McLean is a contributing writer and District Sales Manager for Natural Awakenings Fairfield County. Connect with her at 203-470-4435 or [email protected].