A local animal shelter and rescue group is praising the Chatham-Kent community after a number of recent donations were made to offset a theft at its facility.
Over the weekend, empty cans and bottles with an estimated value of $600 were stolen from the Pet and Wildlife Rescue (PAWR) building in Chatham. The empties were collected as part of the animal shelter's popular donation program.
Myriam Armstrong, the operations manager for PAWR, said on Friday that supportive community members have since come forward to make donations to help PAWR recover their losses.
"People had heard about our situation on Monday morning with our empties being stolen, and people kinda jumped right into it," she said. "We had people come to donate some funds, we had some kids come in to drop off some donations and cards... it's just really heartwarming for everybody."
Armstrong said a $400 donation was made by Victory Ford in Chatham, along with several other donations from individuals in the community.
"Every penny will go to all our special surgeries and medical treatments," she said. "We have some animals that come in with some pretty expensive medical needs. So because of all of their help and their support, we're able to provide care for those animals."
A 34-year-old Chatham man and a 30-year-old Chatham woman have both been arrested and charged in connection with the theft.