Tauranga Animal Rescue celebrates successful reopening

Vada’s Angels reopening celebration. Photo / Supplied

Vada’s Angels Animal Rescue Tauranga is thanking the community for its support in helping the service reopen.

“Thank you, everyone, for your support. Because of you we can reopen and continue saving animals.

“We are officially back open for intake and eager to welcome new animals into our care,” the Angels posted on Facebook.

In March this year, the Tauranga animal rescue service was forced to close temporarily due to soaring vet bills.

Vada’s Angels is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that rescues animals around the Bay of Plenty.

Founder Kat Thompson said it had been difficult to close the rescue service’s doors to incoming animals as they tried to improve their financial situation.

At the time of the closure, Thompson said every day the service’s doors were shut “it means there’s an animal that we have to say ‘No’ to and that means they may sadly lose their life”.

Now, after much support from the public, the rescue has been able to reopen.

Call for foster volunteers

“Our capacity is limited to the number of available fosters, so we urgently need more volunteers to join our foster programme.”

Vada’s Angels encouraged anyone who had ever considered fostering to reach out to them.

Vada’s Angels reopening celebration. Photo / Supplied

“We provide all necessary supplies and cover all expenses related to the animals.

“Fosters need only to provide love and a safe, comfortable home.”

Celebrating the reopening

“To celebrate our reopening, we will join the Oilers Hot Rod Club NZ at their car event.”

That was held at Tauranga Crossing Mall on Sunday, when “We had a great turnout and a huge amount of donations”, said Thompson. “It was great meeting everyone who came down to say hi and meet the team.

Vada’s Angels reopening celebration. Photo / Supplied

“Oilers Hot Rod Club NZ are longstanding supporters of our rescue efforts, including a charity auction held at the racecourse last November”.

The new team was present at the event along with some of their dogs that are available for adoption.