June 30, 2017

Maine Lab Rescue receives community support from Mechanics Savings Bank by Lorraine Glowczak


Maine Lab Rescue (MLR) is an all breed dog and cat rescue organization in Windham. Their mission is to save animals from high kill shelters or other unfavorable conditions in the southern states by having them delivered to Maine for adoption, into loving and permanent homes. Prior to the animals’ arrival, they receive vaccination and other vet care before they are transported north.


Although MLR is lucky to have many volunteers in Maine who foster the animals in their homes until the dogs and cats are adopted and veterinarians offer discounted services for shots, etc., it still takes monetary assistance to pay for unexpected vet bills and other needed supplies.

As a private rescue, MLR receives the majority of their funds for operations through the adoption fee. Kind donations of this community provide extra funds that allow MLR to help dogs and cats that might otherwise not have a chance. Mechanics Savings Bank, 3 Driving Lane in Windham  is a recent and substantial contributor. 


It all began with an inquiry from two of their customers, Nick and Amanda Beaulieu, owners of Forever Two Wheels in Windham. The Beaulieus had adopted a dog from MLR and had recently learned about a lab mix named Walker, a five month old puppy who was born with severe heart disease from a pregnant dog MLR saved from a high kill shelter in Georgia. After a conversation with the Beaulieus, Mechanics Savings Bank (MSB) decided to partner with the Beaulieus and Forever Two Wheels to jointly support MLR.

MLR receives check. Three photos of Walker on top
On Saturday, June 10, Nick Beaulieu and Omar Velazquez, MSB customer service representative, presented a $500 check to MLR to kick off the fundraising efforts for Walker’s heart surgery at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. 

“We will be starting a fundraising campaign for Walker in the very near future,” stated Erlene Le Borgne, founder of MLR. “This gift represents about 10 percent of the anticipated costs associated with the procedure and subsequent echocardiograms.”

The generosity and commitment of MSB toward MLR does not end there. From now until Monday, July 31, the bank is running a Furry Friends Forever pet supply campaign to assist the organization with their ongoing needs, collecting the much needed items at the Windham branch location.

“We are all animal loving people at MSB,” Velazquez said. “We wanted to make sure our branch location was collecting for a local organization that we believed shares our passion. We were so impressed with Erlene’s organization and her mission. Erlene is not only a compassionate neighboring business in our community; she’s my next door neighbor.”

Items needed by MLR that can be dropped off at MSB, Windham branch include the following:

Tidy Cats (or similar) clumping cat litter
Soft training type treats for dogs
Cat treats
Puppy collars (approximately the 10-16” size range)
Puppy pads or newspapers
Toys
Dog or puppy shampoo
Purina Puppy Chow complete
Purina Dog Chow complete
Purina Cat Chow
Purina Kitten Chow
Fleece throws (We wrap puppies in them as they come off transport in the winter, as well as using them in crates sometimes.)

“Mechanics Savings Bank has such a strong community spirit; we are so appreciative for their efforts to organize a supply drive on behalf of Maine Lab Rescue,” Le Borgne said. “The generosity and kindness of the entire community is humbling, we are very grateful.”

“Mechanics Savings Bank is a local bank supporting our communities and neighbors,” Velazquez stated. “Maine Lab Rescue has a mission we can stand behind. Please help us help Maine Lab Rescue succeed with their shelter and adoption efforts.”

To make a contribution to this campaign, please drop off the items listed above at the bank located at 3 Drive-In Lane in Windham.  

For more information about MLR or to become a foster, visit their website at www.mainelabrescue.com. The next adoption event will take place at Pet Quarters, 486 Payne Road in Scarborough on Saturday, July 1.


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