{"id":23881,"date":"2025-07-30T14:31:48","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T14:31:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insurance-canada.ca\/?p=83568"},"modified":"2025-07-30T14:31:48","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T14:31:48","slug":"first-onsite-doubles-public-support-for-animal-disaster-relief-charity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/2025\/07\/30\/first-onsite-doubles-public-support-for-animal-disaster-relief-charity\/","title":{"rendered":"First Onsite doubles public support for animal disaster relief charity"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mississauga, ON (July 22, 2025) \u2013 First Onsite Property Restoration, Canada\u2019s leader in disaster restoration, is pleased to announce a $10,000 matching donation to support rescued animals and recovery efforts at Happy Days Sanctuary<\/em> in recognition of Pet Fire Safety Day.<\/p>\n

Happy Days<\/em> was founded in response to the widespread pet displacement during the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires. With extensive experience dealing with weather-related disasters such as wildfires, First Onsite has been a long-time supporter of the sanctuary, contributing through fundraising, awareness initiatives, and essential supplies.<\/p>\n

Almost 90,000 people were forced from their homes as the fire\u2014nicknamed \u201cThe Beast\u201d\u2014went on to destroy 2,400 homes and businesses. As residents fled Fort McMurray with little notice, many pets were left behind. A small group of volunteers sprang into action, rescuing and reuniting these animals with their families. This grassroots effort eventually became Happy Days Sanctuary.<\/em><\/p>\n

Founded in 2018, the sanctuary has since grown into a year-round operation based on 14 hectares in rural Niagara, Ontario. Happy Days<\/em> provides a permanent safe haven for feral and abandoned cats, dogs, and farm animals from across the country. While some animals are eventually adopted, many find lifelong sanctuary on the property.<\/p>\n

Weather-related catastrophes<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With weather-related catastrophes on the rise, Happy Days<\/em> is committed to supporting local shelters, veterinary clinics, and displaced pets and domesticated animals across North America. However, the charity also relies on the support of corporate sponsors and donors who assist with supplies and the transportation of those supplies to devastated areas.<\/p>\n

Rebuilding hope<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recent survey findings further highlight the emotional urgency of Happy Days<\/em>\u2018 mission. According to a May 2025 study<\/a> released by First Onsite, the top three things Canadians say they would grab when fleeing a disaster are: pets, credit cards, and important documents. The findings underscore the deep emotional bond people have with their animals\u2014and the heartbreak of being forced to leave them behind in crisis situations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile weather-related catastrophes can be devastating, we find hope in the many dedicated people who work tirelessly to rescue and care for what\u2019s closest to our hearts when we\u2019re unable to,\u201d said Shane Swinson, Executive Vice President, Insurance Portfolio at First Onsite. \u201cSupporting a sanctuary like Happy Days <\/em>helps First Onsite reconnect with the compassion and healing that follows a disaster. It\u2019s personal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp us help them\u201d \u2014 Providing lifesaving support for animals in crisis<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cDonations help us provide food, medical care, and shelter to animals that have nowhere else to go,\u201d said Ann Swinson, owner of Happy Days Sanctuary<\/em>. \u201cFirst Onsite\u2019s partnership allows us to reach more people, rescue more animals, and share their incredible stories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Call to action: How you can help<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anyone interested in supporting the effort is encouraged to get involved in one of the following ways:<\/p>\n