Great River Rescue hosts garage sale fundraiser
Jul. 30—BEMIDJI — Great River Rescue hosted dozens of thrifty shoppers and wagging tails on Saturday for a free-will donation garage sale featuring home goods, pet supplies, movies and more to raise money for animals at the shelter.
According to GRR Manager Briana Propst, the rescue has raised around $2,000 from the garage sales they have hosted over the years.
"The community is just absolutely amazing," Propst said. "All of the money earned benefits the animals."
Bemidjians Scott and Cindy Tuomala also stopped by with four large bags of
shoes for the shelter's shoe drive
that has been going since early June, with July 27 being the final day to accept donations.
"I mean look at this room, it's overflowing with shoes!" Cindy exclaimed, gesturing to the open room covered in shoes. "This is the kind of community we live in."
Cindy has been a pet sitter for years, helping her live out her passion for animals.
"It's hard for me to come here sometimes because I want to adopt them all, even the cats even though I'm allergic," she said with a chuckle. "Don't get me wrong, it can be exhausting, but having a companion is worth it. You've got to get an animal to help fulfill your life."
Another way to support the shelter is by
bringing donations to the Bemidji Speedway
at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, at 1831 Sunnyside Road SE. Bemidji Speedway will match all funds raised and attendees can bring an item to donate to the shelter, get their photo taken at the Kissing Booth with Wookie the dog and learn about some of the current and past shelter animals.
Items currently needed are wet and dry food for kittens, wet and dry food for senior cats, wet and dry food for puppies, dish soap, bleach, laundry detergent, office supplies and items on Great River's Amazon and Chewy Wish Lists.
Additionally, Bemidji Brewing will host a Community Pint Night on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 211 America Ave NW, with $1 from each beverage sale between 4 to 7 p.m. being donated to Great River Rescue.
For more information about Great River Rescue and its available pets, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities visit
. Or find them on
Facebook,
and
TikTok.