Magnolia Springs VFD calendar sales benefit Stray Love
Magnolia Springs VFD calendar sales benefit Stray Love
Stray Love Foundation, a nonprofit animal advocacy group, and Magnolia Springs Volunteer Fire Department, have partnered to create a delightfully engaging 2020 calendar featuring the firefighters/EMTs of Magnolia Springs VFD, alongside their pawsome pin-up partners (SL foster kittens).
So what do rescuers and volunteers, firehouses and felines, all have in common? The unique pairing was a fundraising idea of Stray Love founder and director, Gayle Guthrie. “Many fundraising calendars go with a ‘beefcake’ theme, and while there’s nothing wrong with that, we have chosen ‘cute and fun’ with a twist,” she said. Adding more detail would be a spoiler. Says Guthrie, “We promise, you have not seen a calendar like this one.”
Since its formation almost 10 years ago, Stray Love has remained true to its mission to assist as many stray, injured, abandoned or ‘left behind’ cats and dogs (the occasional rabbit) with the resources available. To date, more than 1,400 animals have been placed in safe, loving homes. Supporting active TNR programs, advocacy, education and wellbeing assistance for the area’s senior and vulnerable pet owners, round out Stray Love’s big-picture cause. As it turns out, 2019 is the nonprofit’s most active year, with approximately 178 intakes and a projected budget of $145,000.
Organized in 1961, MSVFD responds to 35-square miles of residential, woodland and waterfront area, averaging 400 calls annually — spanning all variety of fires to medical and traumatic emergencies. During downtime, they provide community fire prevention education and host CPR classes. While the 40-member crew is trained to handle most events, their greatest concern is a fleet of aging apparatus, with ongoing maintenance costs.
Ring in the New Year with one (or more) of these calendars, whether for yourself or as a gift. Calendars are $18 each and available at Jesse’s Restaurant & United Bank (Magnolia Springs), Dykes Veterinary Clinic and United Bank (Foley), The Waggy Tail (Fairhope) and Tradewinds Hair Fashion (Daphne). Email info@straylovefoundtion.org for more info. All proceeds will directly benefit the missions of both groups.