$90,000 means the world to animals in need. $90,000 makes it possible for us to say yes to the 5,000+ animals who come through our doors each year. We are so deeply grateful to notable photographer Maria Bell, her teammate Oralyn Whyte and to everyone who purchased a Dogs or Cats of Oakville book. It is because of you that $90,000 was raised from the sale of Maria Bell’s books. We are incredibly thankful for your exquisite taste in books and for your overwhelming generosity and support for the animals at the Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS). Together, you have donated a total of $90,000 to OMHS! This astonishing, magnanimous amount has an enormous impact on the animals in our care.
With a passion for animals and a goal to change the world for some of the most vulnerable animals in our community, it is unbelievable what someone can accomplish! In 2011, Bell set out on her ambitious project: to single-handedly capture the dogs of Oakville and their unique personalities. The first book Dogs of Oakville Tails of Distinction sold out so quickly that it was followed by a second book: The Dogs of Oakville New Beginnings. The third book in the series, The Cats of Oakville, is a stunning collection of over 200 magnificent cats captured by a group of talented photographers and is Bell’s gift to cat enthusiasts.
So that 100% of the sales from the books would be donated to help the animals, Whyte and Bell embarked on a fundraising campaign for each book. From bake sales to garage sales to community dinners, they raised enough money to cover the cost of publishing these stunning books.
With the hotly anticipated fourth book, The Dogs of Oakville Big and Small ready to go to print soon, Maria’s ever expanding Fan Club can’t wait to pick up their copies. One fan commented It will be the best Christmas present ever! I can’t wait to buy my copy!
As for the animals at OMHS, they cannot wait for the fourth book. Not only are ten of the shelter’s charming canine characters featured but 100% of the proceeds will be given to OMHS to help the animals.
It is only with generous animal lovers like Maria, Oralyn and you, that the 5.000+ animals who come through our doors each year be helped as the government does not provide any funding to care for or find homes for the animals. It is only through generous gifts like this that our doors are open 24-7 and that our officers can speak for those who cannot speak for themselves in court, advocating for animals that have been abused, treated cruelly or neglected. Everyone who purchases a book will not only have one of the limited edition books, but it means that OMHS can continue to give as much time as needed to help homeless animals find their second chance at happiness.
Thank you!
Kim Millan