Great River Rescue Awarded Neilson Foundation Grant

GREAT RIVER RESCUE TO RECEIVE NEILSON FOUNDATION GRANT

Over $15,000 to be donated for continued facilities and grounds improvements.

Great River Rescue has been awarded just over $15,000 from the George W. Neilson Foundation of Bemidji.  The grant funds will be used to make continued building and grounds improvements and purchase needed equipment.  A significant portion of the funds will be used to purchase and install stainless steel kennels for the shelter’s dog quarantine room.  Currently, the kennels in the quarantine area are in some disrepair and modifications are greatly needed.  Another major project to be done with the funding will be to install dog waste stations along the outdoor walking trails.  These stations will provide easy access to waste bags for volunteers walking shelter dogs.

This year’s grant is the third received from the Neilson Foundation in the past five years.  Each grant has been used to repair and improve the shelter facility and purchase needed equipment.  The funding is very important for the organization which focuses most of its budgetary priorities on direct animal care.  “We continue to be amazed and humbled at the generosity of the Neilson Foundation,” said Executive Director Brandon Mustful.  “We really appreciate their continued support and will work hard to use their funding and all of our donations in a responsible manner.”

Great River Rescue, a non-profit organization, was established in 1977 as the Beltrami Humane Society.  Over 10,000 kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs have been adopted from the shelter since that time.  A no-kill shelter, it can house up to 45 cats and 25 dogs and maintains a waiting list of animals to be surrendered.  Located at 1612 Carr Lake Road, the shelter is open from 12:30 – 5:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday.  Executive Director Mustful can be reached at director@greatriverrescue.com or 751-7910.