GFWC raises funds for humane society

From left to right, Mary Pono and dog Sig, Linda Smith, Davida Barter, Maureen Provencal and Nancy Ames preparing ornaments. (photo by Jeff Powers)

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Semper Fidelis, of Skowhegan, proudly donated $305 each to Canine Companions for Independence and the Somerset Humane Society. Also donated to the local shelter were 32 bags of dog and cat food, 118 cans of cat food, 12 bags of dog treats, dog harnesses, collars, and toys, 4 dog beds, cleaning supplies, blankets, and towels.

Community member Tori and her dog Charlie, with member Maureen Provencal and volunteer Mike painting paws to print the finished ornaments. (photo by Jeff Powers)

Sixty unfinished round ornaments, red and green acrylic paints, and mini poinsettia garnishes were purchased, then painted and assembled by members of the club for “Paws for a Cause” to make keepsake paw print Christmas ornaments.

A local brewery donated space the morning of the annual Skowhegan Holiday Stroll for this event. The price to participate was set at $10 per ornament plus a donation of either a bag of dog food or canned cat food.

Stations were set up around the brewery to allow for social distancing, consisting of check in, donation drop off area, painting of the paw print by covering a sponge with non-toxic acrylic paint and pressing it onto the dog’s paw, then onto a piece of paper (no easy task!) and finally, drying the print with a hair dryer and placing it into the ornament frame. There were also photo opportunities provided for the pets with an elf cut out dogs could put their face through or sitting in an oversized Adirondack chair.

While several members and their families helped the day of the event, others helped by making and wrapping 120 homemade dog treats for the participants to take home with them.

The event sold out of all ornaments and many community members have already asked if the club will be doing it again next year.

Paws for a Cause ornaments. (photo by Jeff Powers)