Wednesday, June 21, 2023 Vol. 46, No. 25
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Fundraiser for Sierra raises over $2500 for pets plus food donations Patricia Harcourt Editor
The annual pet food fundraiser family and friends hold every year in honour of a young girl named Sierra Loades continues to reap benefits for animals in need of help. Sierra was an ardent pet lover who may well have become a veterinarian as an adult. Her tragic loss at the age of 12 left many searching for a way to honour her memory. Helping the creatures she loved so much seemed the perfect choice. It’s a poignant year as Sierra
would have graduated along with her classmates at Viking School. The 2023 grads kept her picture onstage beside them to show their solidarity with her that night. And many also help out with the fundraiser at the school. Sierra’s mom, Krissy, was eager to share the results of the fundraiser with the community that supports it every year. “FCSS told me that there was $2,500 donated for the fundraiser in her memory,” she said, as of the delivery day to the Viking Holden and Area Food Bank. The Food Bank is grateful for the
large number of these food items brought in as many people using their services also need food for their pets. This ensures that pets get the kind of food they need to be healthy while their owner companions are also being looked after. Krissy took some pictures to remember the day showing Sierra’s sister, Lacey, and Sierra’s friend Caley along with FCSS staff at the Food Bank, with all the goods donated in front of them. The school raised a large amount of food with their own donations as well, and prizes were given out. “The students at school brought
in pet food and for each item they got their name in a draw,” explained Krissy. “Six kids won $25 gift cards donated by J.D. Construction.” Every year the fundraiser does a great deal of unseen good for pets and their owners, who often do not have the wherewithal to feed their animal companions when they themselves are suffering from privation. With this kind of dedication, Sierra’s memory will surely live on in the hearts of a community that cherishes her memory in such a positive way.