This month the Components Only and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to Mackay Animal Rescue Society, to help with the wonderful volunteer work they undertake.

Mackay Animal Rescue Society Inc. (MARS) is a not-for-profit charity whose volunteers are committed to improving the wellbeing and quality of life of dogs and cats in Mackay and the surrounding region.

Their aim is to provide animals with a second chance at a long and happy life by taking them into loving and safe foster homes and providing them with the care they need until they find their new home.

Foster animals primarily come into care from owner surrenders as well as from their Last Litter Program. MARS also work with local regional councils and out of area rescues for animals that have found themselves homeless.

MARS was incorporated in 2011 when it became apparent there was a lack of services for the pets that find themselves without a family to call their own. They have since been a safe haven for the dogs and cats of the Mackay region and will continue to do so for as long as they are needed.

The founder’s dream was to establish a shelter to take in animals in need and find them second chance homes. While the plan to establish a shelter is still the aim of the organisation, it will not replace the in-home foster system but provide a short-term facility for pets in urgent need of care until a foster home becomes available.

All their members are volunteers which ensures all fundraising endeavours and community donations are 100 percent directed to the health and welfare of the animals in their care.

All foster animals in care are health checked, microchipped, vaccinated up to date, wormed and flea/tick treated as well as desexed. This ensures that all MARS fosters are healthy and ready for adoption.

@ The Coalface applauds the work this vital organisation undertakes, and we hope they continue to bring hope to the furry friends of our region who find themselves out in the proverbial cold.