Seventeen chefs from the region came voluntarily to prepare meals for guests of the OHS. With the funds raised, the shelter can continue its activities in two specific areas, said Rob McCulloch, Director of Development for the OHS. "We have a clinic where the animals we receive are placed. Veterinarians are required to perform surgeries on them and to give them their medication. We also need money to run programs in the community to educate children and people on how to take care of their animals."
The OHS is the body that should be contacted for questions concerning animal care in the Ottawa area. Their key mission is to care for abandoned animals. "We have animals for adoption here. We do emergency missions to find animals who need rescuing," says McCulloch. "Animals are treated here, some return to those who have lost their animals and other animals, that are not returned to their families, are adopted or given to new families."
Honouring chef Kurt Waldele of Cumberland
According to Rob McCulloch, the event was also a tribute to the former head of the National Arts Centre, Kurt Waldele, who died in 2009. "He was a volunteer for several years and raised funds for the animals. He held a party at his home in Cumberland, for 10 years. He raised over $700,000 for our animals."
For his part, Carl Baptista, head chef at Real Sports restaurant, which will open shortly in the Byward Market, said he was honored to receive an invitation for the event. "(Kurt) had a great reputation, not only as a leader but also as a man, as a supporter of the Ottawa Humane Society for several years. He is recognized as the godfather of contemporary Canadian cuisine."
Translated by Catherine Kitts
