News

After concluding its third annual fundraiser for the local animal shelter, Iredell Health System’s Cardiopulmonary Rehab Department delivered its collected donations to the Iredell County Animal Services and Control Department on Thursday, Dec. 20.

The donated items go toward the animal shelter’s enrichment program, foster program, and veterinary medical needs. These programs provide positive stimulation for shelter pets and help relieve the stress of being in a kennel environment. Some of the items donated include canned food, toys, paper towels, treats, large crates, blankets, beds, and dry food.

Valerie York, an administrative assistant for the Cardiopulmonary Rehab Department, proposed the Health System’s first annual fundraiser for the animal shelter three years ago, and her fellow employees embraced the idea. Most of them owned pets and wanted to help animals without families.

Health System employees and patients continue to show excitement for the fundraiser each year.

“We’re always overwhelmed at the generosity of our employees and patients,” York said. “I was contacted by several employees who brought their donations to the Outpatient Services Building and thanked us continually for helping the shelter. A couple employees asked if we do this fundraiser more than once a year because they wanted to donate again if we do.”

While showing strong appreciation for the Health System’s annual fundraiser, the animal shelter continues to seek more community members to donate, volunteer, and/or adopt a pet from the shelter. It lists an animal shelter wish list on its website, including which items are of highest priority.

“I can only imagine what the employees of the animal shelter feel like when they don’t have the resources for the animals,” York said. “It would break my heart. That’s why I want to help. I’ve had several positive experiences with the shelter’s animal control officers and other shelter employees, and they all seem very compassionate and kind-hearted with the animals’ best interests at heart.”

York emphasized that the fundraiser demonstrates employees’ high level of compassion, something the Health System lists as one of its four core values.

“Iredell Health System has a lot of animal lovers,” York said. “Animals deserve to be loved and be a part of a family. And though not everyone is able to adopt an animal, most are able to donate or volunteer.”