The COVID-19 pandemic has changed every aspect of our lives including the fundraising efforts of many organizations. While Boston Terrier Rescue Canada (BTRC) typically enjoys a variety of fun in-person fundraising opportunities, this year the charity’s events have gone virtual. To help with this change, ever the resourceful team, BTRC has expanded its “Empties for Paws” program.

Empties for Paws (E4P) is a program where BTRC volunteers collect empty wine, beer, liquor bottles and, depending on location in Canada, other refundable recyclables, to return them and use the funds for veterinary and other bills of rescue dogs in foster care. It is a cost-free way to raise money for the Rescue and help the environment.

Growing from a small group of early supporters, Team BTRC E4P has been a foundational fundraising tool that has grown in popularity. Kathy S from Alberta has been collecting empties for BTRC since 2016. 

Since that time, she has raised $11,462.15. She hopes to reach her target of $12,000 by the end of 2020.

2020 has been very successful with many new drop-off and pick-up locations for empties across Canada. As of November 2, 2020, approximately $7,709.15 has been raised – almost double what was raised in the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

“COVID has created an opportunity for us. With many folks limiting their outings, Empties for Paws diverts empties that would normally be thrown in the recycle”, Cathy B in Fonthill, Ontario says. Kathy S agrees. “This is such an easy fundraiser. It has allowed me to invest as little or as much time as I am able to whenever it is good for me. Empties are a big commodity and the money raised adds up so quickly”.

“I personally have gained some repeated supporters who contact me every couple months to arrange a pick-up of their empties”, said E4P volunteer Nadine B from Pembroke, Ontario. “The more people I meet during pick-ups, the more my contact information gets shared”.

Lesley B from Newcastle, Ontario, encourages folks to start small. “People can get involved by simply saving their empty alcohol containers and spreading the word to family and friends. Every little bit helps!”

The pandemic has put so many things on hold, but rescue is never on hold. Each volunteer has their own reason for giving back. Whether it is because of the love of the breed or owning a few of their own BTs such as Lesley’s three, Max, Molly and Murphy, Kathy’s BTRC Alumni, Raffi, or in memory of those who have crossed the rainbow bridge such as Nadine’s boy Biz (BTRC Alumni) or Cathy’s Max, this simple tool is supporting the efforts of the amazing BTRC volunteer team.

Simple tips from Team BTRC:

• Contact empties@bostonterrierrescuecanada.com and sign up.
• Let your friends know that you are collecting and how they can support you.
• Post on Facebook or Instagram or share posts from the BTRC Empties team.
• Consider a lawn sign to let your neighbours know you are collecting.
• When interacting with your donors (be sure to follow the COVID protocols for your area) be courteous and respectful. If you make arrangements to collect, schedule it in your phone or appointment book so you don’t forget your commitment to that supporter.
• If you have a Boston Terrier, bring him/her along, they are always such little hams and it makes your visit memorable! Tell people why you collect for BTRC.
• Organize the containers before returning them, separating the containers by the protocols in place at your local Beer Store or recycle centre.
• Have fun!

 

To volunteer with this program or to find a drop off location, click here.