Leo’s Corner: The little animal charity making a big difference
‘Tis the season of giving, but for one animal lover and friend to the animals, giving is a year-round endeavour.
Andrea Levangie established Leo’s Corner in 2010 as a means of raising money for animal-based charities or organizations. Leo’s Corner is affectionately named after her beloved Rottweiler Leo she had at the time (and sadly passed away earlier in 2018).
“I started selling towels and gently used water bottles that were getting thrown out at work, and in 2011 then people started giving me leashes and collars. I named it ‘Leo’s Corner’ as he and I were always set up in a corner,” says Levangie.
Gently used (and sometimes new) items, mostly pet related, are donated to Andrea and she takes great care to clean and repair them if needed. You name it, she’ll accept it – bowls, leashes, toys, books, dog clothing – and turn into much needed donations for animals. Andrea sets up Leo’s Corner at various animal related events where she designates the charity all funds raised that day will go to. It’s not just money, though, as sometimes she collects newspapers to line cages, small dog crates for animal transportation, and pet food.
Martha Fortier, Levangie’s friend and operator of Martha’s Menagerie pet boarding facility in Harrowsmith, has nothing but praise for Levangie and her efforts.
“She has helped all sorts of creatures, from turtles to horses,” Fortier said.
Recipients of those funds raised through Leo’s Corner over the years have included the Ganonoque and Kingston Humane Societies, the Lennox & Addington OSPCA, Sheba’s Haven Rescue, Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, Friends of Willow Rescue, and the Animal Angel Rescue Foundation to name a few. In 2018 alone, she raised almost $3,500 for such charities, and since she began her work in 2010, has raised approximately $15,000 for animals in need.
“I think the entire concept of people donating gently used animal and pet items that she displays at animal- and pet-oriented events where the prospective purchaser chooses the amount they want to pay towards that day’s selected charity or charities is an incredible concept for fundraising. Andrea is certainly one of a kind,” says Levangie’s friend and fellow dog enthusiast, Jennifer Robb.
For all her efforts, Levangie does not ask for anything in return. And although her fundraising plans for 2018 are done, Leo’s Corner will be back in 2019 to continue the great work she’s been doing for almost 10 years.
