Local cat rescue hosts annual fundraiser to mark 25-year anniversary

As the hot summer days fade and the cool winds of fall begin, the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA) is hosting its annual Walk for the Kitties fundraiser at the Locarno Beach Picnic Site on Sept. 7 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

Whether attendees come for the five-kilometre walk along Locarno Beach, donate, or fundraise, they are invited to celebrate the volunteers, supporters, fosters, and adopters of VOKRA. 

This year, the organization’s goal is to raise $250,000. 

A variety of local vendors will be attending the fundraiser, including FirstMate Pet Foods. 

“[The event is meant] to get out information about what we do and get everybody together [to have] a good time,” says Karen Duncan, co-founder of VOKRA. 

“People seem to really enjoy just getting together and talking and seeing what’s going on with the foster homes.”

Duncan says the association, which has run about 15 Walk for the Kitties fundraisers, gives out information for people who have lost their pets, regardless of whether they adopted from VOKRA or not. The organization also lends out traps for capturing lost pets.  

Though the event is geared towards adopters and fosters, Duncan says that VOKRA does not recommend people to bring their cats there. 

“We don’t encourage adventuring with cats — for instance, with harnesses — because they’re always getting away …. Some people bring them in a backpack if they’re used to doing that, but we really don’t encourage that. Lots of people bring their dogs to go along [for the walk].”

Donations for the fundraiser will go towards life-saving veterinary care, specialized food and supplies, and rescue operations, the VOKRA website reads. 

Locarno Beach was chosen because of its accessibility through public transportation and parking, Duncan says.

“It’s about ease for people getting there and [without] steps or anything that would stop people from getting on to the site, if they were in a wheelchair.”

Duncan says the organization encourages children to come and participate in the fundraiser by setting up lemonade stands or something else so they learn to care for animals. 

“They’re valued in the family, not just something to leave behind when you move.”

Those interested can visit the VOKRA website to donate, fundraise, or register for the walk and receive a T-shirt. 

“We’re in it for these cats and kittens and we’ll do as much as we can within reason to help them.”