MEOW Foundation

The MEOW Foundation aims to Make Each One Wanted. The statement is not just responsible for the clever MEOW acronym, but it also represents the philosophy that motivates the entire organization.

MEOW is a no-kill cat rescue operation that has saved Calgary cats for the last eight years. Almost 200 active volunteers and now a handful of paid staff — 2007 was the first year the group hired paid employees — save hundreds of cats each year.

“The adoption group [has casual labour] because it is very time-consuming and involves bringing the cat along to meet the family,” says MEOW Foundation vice president Jacqueline (Jake) Forrest. “We grew so much that it wouldn’t be as functional without these positions.”

Still, with vet bills that easily reach $12,000 a month, MEOW struggles to keep as many areas as possible 100-per cent volunteer-based to put its budget where it’s most desperately needed.

“It’s a revolving door; as more cats go out, more come in,” says Forrest. “More displays and public information means more rescues.” With the growth experienced over the foundation’s short history, the demand for MEOW’s services is not slowing any time soon.

The enthusiasm of the long list of people excited to work with MEOW isn’t likely to slow down, either.

“Our volunteers are wonderful, like-minded and positive people; we have cried together and laughed together,” says Forrest.

Karla Pocza is one of those volunteers. Her main position is at the northwest shelter where she works on socializing rescued cats, preparing them for possible adoption. It is a slow process — one of the cats she has worked with for close to a year has just finally stopped swiping at her.

“There are successes every week and we celebrate that,” says Pocza.

Working with shelter cats is just one thing MEOW needs volunteers for. “Everyone has a talent that can be used by the foundation,” Pocza adds.

For example, MEOW invites people who enjoy crafts to make beds and toys for sales, and also needs people to work in the shelter and to host foster-cats temporarily. People with only a few hours to spare are welcome to work information booths at malls and festivals.

“It’s funny,” Forrest laughs, “the cats have no idea how much work has gone into their care.”

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