$40,000 matching gift launches 2022 shelter animal medical fund campaign






THOMASTON — A couple from Friendship have stepped forward to offer a matching gift to help animals at Pope Memorial Humane Society (PMHS). Martine Richard LaBrie and Dr. Henry LaBrie, of Friendship, have offered a $40,000 match for donations to the Sherman Medical Fund in 2022.
This fund was created in 2021 so that donors can give directly to help shelter animals in medical need. Veterinary costs for the shelter are $85,000 per year, and include treatment for a wide range of medical issues, from surgeries to skin conditions or Lyme disease. Over $65,000 was raised in 2021, including $15,000 in matching funds from local donors.
This year, shelter medical supplies have been added to projected veterinary costs to make a total goal of $122,000 to raise, according to PMHS, in a news release. PMHS is calling on the community to help leverage the matching gift and donate. Hundreds of animals require medical attention each year. The Sherman Medical Fund makes sure they get it and therefore a second chance at loving homes.
In addition to the matching gift, Martine and Henk gave $35,000 to the Molly Medical Fund, which helps older animals with medical and grooming needs. Older animals are harder to place and often have deferred medical needs such as dental, tumors or even grooming, said PMHS. Addressing these needs through Molly Medical Fund means senior cats and dogs can find loving homes.
Please consider donating to the Sherman Medical Fund and release the matching funds.
“Thank you to these wonderful, caring donors for giving shelter animals a second chance with a truly generous gift!” said the release.
For more information on the Sherman Medical Fund please visit https://www.popehumane.org/give-now/sherman-medical-fund/, or reach out to PMHS’ Development Director Chrys deLorimier Chrys@PopeHumane.org or 207-594-2200.
PMHS is a 501c3 nonprofit animal shelter located in Thomaston, Maine. PMHS is devoted to ensuring the compassionate care, treatment and placement of companion animals in transition and to enrich the lives of pets and people in our community.