Ortonville- While they no longer have their own building in the village, North Oakland Animal Help (NOAH) is definitely maintaining a presence here.
More than ever, low-income families are seeking the assistance of the non-profit organization in feeding their animals. Now they can receive that help at Hamilton’s of Ortonville, 465 Mill St. NOAH clients recently received identification cards which also specify the amount of money they are designated to receive for pet food. They can present those cards at Hamilton’s the first week of every month for use toward food for their cats and dogs.
‘We are still paying for the cost of the food, but the clients can only get it from Hamilton’s and they have to get ID cards from NOAH,? said Raena Kalfayan, NOAH founder. ‘This will help the program run more smoothly and cut down on expenses. We are grateful to Hamilton’s. We can concentrate on fundraising efforts rather than maintaining the office. All the fundraising dollars will go directly to the clients, with no overhead expenses.?
Kalfayan founded NOAH nearly three years ago after her own family struggled to keep their pets after going through a tough economic time. She vowed that once they were back on their feet, they would find a way to help families keep their animals during financial struggles. NOAH currently assists about 60 families per month in providing food for more than 130 animals, mostly dogs and cats.
NOAH helps to feed animals of all ages, sizes and breeds and even helps meet special dietary needs. Clients are asked to provide documentation of need and will continue to be accepted. Monetary donations are still needed. While Hamilton’s is collaborating with NOAH, they do not run the program.
To seek assistance from NOAH or to make a donation to help families and animals in need, call 248-627-4900 or visit www.helpfeedfido.com for upcoming fundraising events.