Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary hoping community will help it raise the roof on new education centre

Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary is hoping that the Kingston and area community will help it raise the roof on a new, much-needed education centre. Started by Carla and Harold Moore in Harrowsmith, Happy Tails provides safety and sanctuary to farm animals, educates youth and brings the community together through summer camps, sanctuary tours and events, and educational programs. The non-profit sits on 17 acres of pasture and forested land and specializes in rehabilitating animals who have been abused, neglected and abandoned.

Open to the public from May to October, Happy Tails sees thousands of visitors each year through its summer camps, daily tours, wellness events, PA day program, class trips, yoga, summer youth programs, community group visits, volunteer opportunities, and an annual pancake breakfast. All events at the sanctuary are by donation, ensuring that money is never a barrier to visitors.

To that end, they’re hoping to build an education centre to facilitate their mission. “It is our goal to offer an inclusive experience to all children, regardless of socio-economic status or physical and cognitive ability. We aim to build an accessible education centre to welcome youth of all ages and abilities to come and experience the sanctuary and its learning opportunities,” say the Moores.

In order to build the education center, which is estimated to cost approximately $70,000, a benefit concert is being put on at Overtime Sports Bar on Saturday, February 9th, from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Several Kingston businesses have already come forward to support the fundraiser, including Kingston Mortgage Solutions, which has stepped up as its Title Sponsor, and K-Rock 105.7, which has donated 2 tickets to the Blue Man Group concert for the silent auction being held at the fundraiser.

Some of Kingston area’s best musicians have signed up to put on a show in support of the farm sanctuary, with sets by Spencer Evans, Tim Sheffield, John Torres, and 80s Enuff.  The fundraiser will also feature belly dance performances by Shimmy Kingston and Kingston Raqs, and will be catered by Copper Branch Kingston, with hors d’oeuvres by Frauxmagerie on Georgian Bay.

Early bird tickets are $30, and regular ticket prices are $35 and include entry, full access to the entertainment and food. Tickets are available online here, at The Mutt Hutt in Kingston, or at the door at Overtime Sports during the event.

For those who cannot attend the fundraiser but wish to make tax-deductible donations, they may be made online here.

More information on Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary can be obtained by clicking here.