HELENA – The Lewis and Clark Humane Society (LCHS) are in the running for a $25,000 grant but need help from the community secure it.
Last month LCHS volunteer photographer Chris Martin was honored as an Unsung Hero by the Petco Foundation which provided the shelter a $10,00 grant.
The Petco Foundation recently released their video showcasing Martin along with the four other Unsung Heroes of 2019 and are holding an online voting contest to determine who will get the larger grant.
People are able to vote only once in the contest which can be found here and voting ends May 6.
Martin said he was a bit nervous to watch the video since he’s far more comfortable behind the camera rather than in front of it.
“I actually was afraid to see it,” said Martin, “but I actually think it tell our story here at the shelter really well. I’m proud of it and proud of what this team does here… I love working with these people. They are the kindest, sweetest people that care so much about these animals.”
LCHS Executive Director Kelsee Dalton said the shelter often has unforeseen expenses and the money would go a long way help ease those burdens..
“This operation is expensive,” said Dalton, “Just this week we actually had a little dog come in that is going to require additional medical care. She came in she has a tumor on her body and she also has cushions. So we’re going to be trying to get all of that figured out and treat her for all of those things but we want to be able to be there for every single animal that comes in and give them all the care that they need regardless of the cost.”
On average, each animal that comes in costs the shelter more than $400.
“$25,000 would be huge. It would be really nice to have a bit more cushion do get some of the things done that we’ve had to put off,” said Dalton.
More information about ways to support the shelter, and animals currently available for adoption can be found on their website.
