Volunteers For Animals of Batavia celebrated 40 years of service in Genesee County on Saturday afternoon at the First Presbyterian Church in Batavia. With a $5 donation per person at the door, supporters enjoyed refreshments including a special cake, activities for the children, door prizes and favors.
“The people that volunteered initially saw the need for a humane society and organized in 1984,” says Angie Knisley, a longtime member at Volunteer for Animals.
On display at Saturdays 40th Celebration, a history of the VFA and the people who founded the organization, along with photos of the animals that have been adopted through the years. Apparel was also available for sale to supporters.
“It’s really amazing to look back at the history to see how the group started, and the group is now, it’s like night and day,” says Wendy Castleman, Treasurer at the VFA.
“They were just working with the basics, trying to save animals that were running lose, had no care, lots of puppies that were left on their own. Now, we’re beyond that in terms of being able to provide preventative services. We do a lot of spay/neuter vouchers to help prevent unwanted litters, SOS does trap, neuter and release, we do a lot of fostering, we bring in animals from out of state from shelters that are high volume. So, it’s just evolved into a very different group, but the basis is saving animals.”
Castleman says currently the group at VFA is working with the Genesee County Animal Shelter to make sure the Animal Shelter building will be compatible with new NYS regulations that will take effect in September of 2025.
“We’re focused on that, a lot of it has to do with how animals are cared for while they are in the shelter, having space, good climate control and things like that.”
As far as what VFA has planned for the future, Castleman says it all has to do with who comes into the group and what their interests are and what they will bring to the group. Currently there are 30-40 core volunteers with about 40 foster families. To volunteer your talents, view the link below and find out more.
Link for more information below:
Volunteers For Animals (vol4animals.org)
“It’s a lot of work and it can be very painful at times, but there is a lot of reward from it.”
Thanks for the good birthday party. Anything we can do to help forgotten or neglected dog he’s one of the most necessary things in life