one by one®: Manitoba Underdogs Rescue
About eight years ago, Krystal Short saw a local news report about a dog that had been injured and needed to be fostered. She hadn’t heard of Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, the organization caring for the injured animal, but decided to reach out. Not only did she foster that dog—she’s now fostered more than 50.
“Once I started fostering, I just couldn’t stop,” said Short, who now serves as the fundraising coordinator for the Manitoba charity. She’s one of more than 500 volunteers who make up the Manitoba Underdogs Rescue network. With no physical location, the organization consists of people willing to give their time to the rescue, rehabilitation, care and adoption of dogs.
That volunteer base often cares for between 80 and 100 dogs at a given time. Each month, the organization helps about 20 to 25 dogs find a loving home.
Support for the underdogs
Manitoba Underdogs Rescue started in 2011 after its founder, Jessica Hansen, rescued a frightened and abandoned dog she found on the side of a highway. She held a garage sale to raise money for the dog’s treatment and recovery after it tested positive for Lyme and heartworm disease. That experience led her to rescue more dogs. Momentum started to build and, about 12 years later, the organization she launched has provided care for more than 4500 dogs.
Golf tournament gift bags help drive registration
Manitoba Underdogs Rescue used a one by one grant to buy tote bags. Sponsors supplied promotional items that were packed in the totes, which were given as registration gifts for the nonprofit’s sixth annual golf tournament. About 140 golfers were welcomed to the September event at Maplewood Golf Club in St. Pierre-Jolys. This golf tournament is Manitoba Underdogs Rescue’s largest fundraiser, making it crucial for the organization’s operations.
“We operate solely on donations and sponsors and don’t receive any government funding,” said Short. “Without the sponsors and grants, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”
A note from Cheryl
The team of 500-plus volunteers at Manitoba Underdogs Rescue has done remarkable work finding loving homes for thousands of dogs. We were proud to provide golf tournament gift bags to support this important fundraising event. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.