Nickel City Cats, a grassroots organization, has rescued more than 500 cats over the past two years. The group is now working to establish a new model of compassion and education in animal rescue across northern Ontario. This week alone, the non-profit took in nearly 60 cats, with 50 of them coming from a single house. ‘She had a great heart’ Rebeka Robin, a member of Nickel City Cats, said the situation stemmed from a lack of access to resources rather than any ill intent. “We just think a lot of people get in situations that are completely out of or out of their control, just due to lack of education, lack of access to medical care,” she said. “Veterinary care is very expensive in the north. It’s hard to access. It’s hard to get spaying and neutering done. So, a lot of the situations that we encounter aren’t due to malice or wanting to hurt animals.” The owner had initially taken in a few stray cats with the intention of keeping them safe indoors, but was unable to access spay or neuter services in time. “Those few adults spread to 50 cats very quickly,” Robin said. Dawna Charron, the founder of Nickel City Cats, told CTV News the owner’s intentions were good. “She had a great heart,” Charron said. “She saw cats walking around and wanted to give them shelter.” Removing stigma The rescue operation required significant effort, with a team of five dedicated people spending about six hours at the home. Charron said the approach was rooted in support, not judgment. “It took us approximately six hours and five very dedicated people, a super cooperative pet owner and property owner, because we were of the ideal of no shame,” she said. The organization has deliberately changed its language to reduce stigma around pet ownership challenges. “When people have been stigmatized, they’re more afraid of coming out and asking for help,” Charron said. “So, by removing stigma, you can help the situation a lot more. Lately, we have decided to remove the word hoarder from our lexicon and replace it with indoor colony.” She said the goal extends beyond the immediate rescue. “Fixing everybody’s minds and imparting the knowledge that, you know, this didn’t happen in a vacuum,” Charron said. “To help guide the pet owner to explore as to how this happened and why this happened, beyond the fact that spay/neuter wasn’t a priority.” ‘It wasn’t traumatic’ Robin said the organization’s non-judgmental approach is beginning to gain recognition. “I think it’s starting to catch on that we’re different,” she said. “I think a lot of people that are afraid have had bad experiences with rescues in the past.” She described the experience of working with Nickel City Cats in contrast to that. “It wasn’t traumatic,” Robin said. “It was welcoming. You know, they’re always willing to answer any questions.” The organization, which was founded about two year ago, does not have a public shelter – instead, it relies on a network of foster homes. So far in March, the group has logged its highest monthly intake with 93 cats, which are being cared for by approximately 50 out of 90 active fosters. Model without cages While Nickel City Cats hopes to eventually open a public space where potential adopters can meet cats, the organization values its foster-based model. “They don’t sit and stay anywhere,” Charron said of the cats in their care. “No cages.” The non-profit relies heavily on donations to maintain food supplies for the cats and kittens. However, the group’s largest expense is fuel, as it covers a vast geographic area. “The gas prices are astronomical, and we cover from North Bay all the way to Westwood,” Charron said. “It’s not unusual for me to take road trips out to Sault Ste. Marie. Highway 17 west is kind of underrepresented as far as rescue goes. So, we do a lot of work out there. So, you know, funding for gas, funding for our veterinary care.” Charron said the organization has spent approximately $11,000 on veterinary care, including spays, neuters and vaccines. To help offset these costs, the grassroots group is currently running a 50/50 draw.
