In recognition of Pet Fireplace Security Day on July fifteenth, First Onsite Property Restoration introduced a $10,000 matching donation to help rescued animals and restoration efforts at Glad Days Sanctuary in Stevensville, Ontario. Glad Days was based in response to the widespread pet displacement throughout the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. With intensive expertise coping with weather-related disasters equivalent to wildfires, First Onsite has been a long-time supporter of the sanctuary, contributing via fundraising, consciousness initiatives, and important provides.
Nearly 90,000 individuals had been compelled from their houses as the fireplace—nicknamed “The Beast”—went on to destroy 2,400 houses and companies. As residents fled Fort McMurray with little discover, many pets had been left behind. A small group of volunteers sprang into motion, rescuing and reuniting these animals with their households. This grassroots effort finally grew to become Glad Days Sanctuary.
Based in 2018, the sanctuary has since grown right into a year-round operation primarily based on 14 hectares in rural Niagara, Ontario. Glad Days supplies a everlasting protected haven for feral and deserted cats, canine, and cattle from throughout the nation. Whereas some animals are finally adopted, many discover lifelong sanctuary on the property.
Climate-related catastrophes
With weather-related catastrophes on the rise, Glad Days is dedicated to supporting native shelters, veterinary clinics, and displaced pets and domesticated animals throughout North America. Nonetheless, the charity additionally depends on the help of company sponsors and donors who help with provides and the transportation of these provides to devastated areas.
Rebuilding hope
Current survey findings additional spotlight the emotional urgency of Glad Days’ mission. In keeping with a 2025 research launched by First Onsite, the highest three issues Canadians say they’d seize when fleeing a catastrophe are: pets, bank cards, and vital paperwork. The findings underscore the deep emotional bond individuals have with their animals—and the heartbreak of being compelled to go away them behind in disaster conditions.
“Whereas weather-related catastrophes might be devastating, we discover hope within the many devoted individuals who work tirelessly to rescue and take care of what’s closest to our hearts once we’re unable to,” mentioned Shane Swinson, Government Vice President, Insurance coverage Portfolio at First Onsite. “Supporting a sanctuary like Glad Days helps First Onsite reconnect with the compassion and therapeutic that follows a catastrophe. It’s private.”
“Assist us assist them” — Offering lifesaving help for animals in disaster
“Donations assist us present meals, medical care, and shelter to animals which have nowhere else to go,” mentioned Ann Swinson, proprietor of Glad Days Sanctuary. “First Onsite’s partnership permits us to succeed in extra individuals, rescue extra animals, and share their unbelievable tales.”
Name to motion: How one can assist
Anybody all for supporting the hassle is inspired to get entangled in one of many following methods:
Donate: First Onsite will match donations to Glad Days Sanctuary as much as $10,000
Volunteer: Get entangled together with your native shelter or think about fostering an animal in want
Share: Assist unfold consciousness by way of social media utilizing partaking content material from First Onsite’s “Meet the Animals” video collection (comply with on LinkedIn and Fb)
Undertake/Foster: Help rescue organizations by opening your own home or advocating for pet adoption
“We’re proud to help Glad Days’ unbelievable work,” Swinson added. “Their mission aligns with our firm values of compassion, neighborhood, and restoration. By means of this donation matching and our name to motion, we hope to encourage others to get entangled.”
For extra info and to donate to double your influence to Glad Days Sanctuary, click on right here.
