Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo voiced out for Guam Animals In Need in a public service announcement, encouraging the community to take part in taking animals off the street.
Now in its 20th year, GAIN continues to be Guam's only 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to the welfare of animals. It is the private organization that is contracted by the government of Guam to run the Yigo Animal Shelter.
In her message, the congresswoman said, “Every day, GAIN volunteers and employees perform tasks few people want to do. They were instrumental in saving greyhounds when the race track closed and continue to save the lives of hundreds of homeless animals.”
She encourages the public to donate food, spare change and even spare time. GAIN wishes to thank Congresswoman Bordallo for this special message as well as Matt Dodd at Joy 92 FM who produced the radio spot for the congresswoman's message. The radio spot will be sent to local radio stations for possible airing.
THE NEED FOR SUPPORT
In 2008, the Yigo Animal Shelter received 5,105 cats and dogs and adopted out 795 -- an all-time record. It cost the organization more than $100,000 to run the shelter though it only received $50,000 from the government.
Shelter expenses have increased yearly, in part because the volume of animals received has more than doubled from 2001 and the necessity of hiring staff to accommodate for the decrease in volunteers.
The Legislature appropriated $100,000 to GAIN to operate the shelter for 2009, however, seven months into the fiscal year, GAIN has not received a penny of this money and has had to operate the shelter on its savings.
GAIN remains a prominent organization in the community because of many generous donors, sponsors and volunteers. To continue its mission, GAIN will hold a benefit event to raise funds and celebrate its 20th anniversary on Friday, August 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., which will include a short program and a silent auction.
For more information on helping the organization or to become a sponsor for the 20th anniversary celebration, please contact Faye Varias at 671-929-2839. To become a GAIN volunteer, please contact Karon Johnson at 479-4946 or 789-3681.
