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If you enjoy crafts and wish to join this aspect of the auxiliary, the very active craft circle meets weekly on Monday afternoons in Barrhaven. The craft circle members can work on their own projects such as painting, sewing, knitting or crocheting. We have several members who are very adept at scouting out generous donations of crafting materials for our projects. Often our craft leader will have a planned group activity that you may participate in if you wish. Members are free to work on bigger projects of their choice at home and then bring them in for a good old “show and tell”. This is where we often have a lively discussion about pricing the item for sale. We hold approximately 10 sales events a year, and it feels so gratifying to see our handmade products being purchased and to know that we are contributing to the care of the animals. The people of Ottawa are always so generous in supporting our sales, and we are always grateful for their contributions and attendance at our events.

At our monthly general meetings, we always anticipate the report from our treasurer. Hearing about our accumulation of funds is an exciting moment for us all. All of the money that we raise goes directly to the OHS to help support and care for the animals. Once a year, the auxiliary presents a cheque to the OHS. The last cheque was in the amount of $12,500, and we are on track to possibly eclipse that total the next time. This year’s donation will be used to help cover the cost of surgeries and to build some outdoor dog pens.