We did it! The Fur-Bearers is officially a registered charity in Canada, opening the doors to all kinds of new projects that will protect wildlife. This is a massive victory for our team, the animals, and every single one of you who have supported us.
As of November 23, 2020, supporters will receive an income tax receipt with their donations, regardless of size. These will be automatically emailed for online donations (make sure you check your Updates, Spam or Junk folders!).
We’ll be bringing you more information about the incredible ways charitable status at The Fur-Bearers will benefit wildlife; first, we must take a moment to consider how far we’ve come.
The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals was formed in 1953, after decades of correspondence between individuals who knew there must be a way to end cruel trapping. It was in the 1960s, though, when George Clements stepped into a beaver trap near the school at which he was principal, that the Association took on new life.
George, aside his partner in education and love, Bunty, took the cookie tin that contained a few names on papers and changed the world. Together, they made possible the first broadcast of wildlife caught in legal traps; they challenged the EU’s importation of furs from Canada over cruelty issues; they even found ways to mitigate the need for trapping in the case of beavers. They grew the organization from an idea to a resounding thunderclap of activity and change.
In the late 90s, the Association lost its charitable status, in part because George continued to rally against the fur industry. It didn’t slow us down, however, and dedicated supporters kept the solution-oriented advocacy moving ahead.
In the early 2000s, George and Bunty passed (within a year of each other). The memory of their passion, of their absolute knowledge that Canada and our communities can do better for wildlife, and of their relentless kindness fuels The Fur-Bearers. We would not be celebrating today, were it not for the legacy George and Bunty created.
To celebrate this victory, we ask that you consider making your LARGEST donation ever! We’ll be issuing Canadian income tax receipts for all donations, potentially saving you money on your tax return. We also have some exciting projects on the horizon (stay tuned for Giving Tuesday) and more opportunities for you to help wildlife.
Thank you for all you do!
To donate, please click here. To become a monthly donor (even $5/month gets a tax receipt!) click here.
