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The McKee Project (McKee Jaco) has elected to be the voice for the countless number of stray animals roaming the streets of Jaco, Costa Rica. Their dedication is a noble gesture and an inspiring notion – but, it’s also a tremendous responsibility.
The project began in the summer of 2003, with the intention of helping the community address the issue of the large number of helpless strays left to wander the lonely streets in Jaco.
“In spite of the economic problems and lack of volunteers, we are able to spay/neuter more than 1,000 animals per year, both stray and from low-income families, as well as treat and find homes for over 500 dogs and cats each year,” says The McKee Project website.
They also help by offering additional medical services, and by treating animal related maladies such as, mange, ehrlichia, recuperation after accidents, and many other things.
Their mission statement is simple and to the point – “To End Pain and Suffering of All Companion Animals in Latin America”
According to the project’s website, they accomplish their mission in four ways:
- Effectively eliminating the numbers of unwanted and abandoned animals through Aggressive Companion Animal Population Control Campaigns (McKee uses surgical techniques: spay/neuter, until a safe and sure pharmaceutical method is available).
- Basic medical care through the McKee Associate Veterinary Network: vaccines, nutrition support, and critical emergency care.
- Education and Participation of Communities: Making responsible and responsive communities — Education & Participation — Everyone has a role.
- Replacing shelter “solutions”, by constructing better Companion Animal Homes: Building responsible owners & good homes through education in schools and McKee Community Centers.
The McKee Project wouldn’t flourish without help, however. Like many other animal rescue projects/programs, McKee Jaco is a non-profit organization. This means that it functions without any “outside help.” Their survival depends on the support of individuals “who wish to help stray animals and animals belonging to people who simply cannot afford to take proper care of them.”
“GOOD FOOD, GOOD FUN AND ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE”
To make their efforts easier, The McKee Project holds fundraisers – much like the McKee Jaco Fiesta Party on August 14, 2010 at Jaco Taco, a trendy, local hangout and restaurant.
This fundraiser will include live music by the CHUPACABRAS, (a very popular band in the region) a raffle and a silent auction. The doors open at 5 p.m., and the $20 contribution includes free dinner with a margarita, dancing and much more! All of the proceeds will go to the rescue and rehabilitation of homeless animals in Jaco, Costa Rica.
Jaco is a wonderful Costa Rica vacation destination, and it’s also home to many great ”ticos,” “ticas” and animals. So, come on down to Jaco for some surf and fun, than head out to the McKee Jaco Fiesta Party fundraiser to support a great local cause.
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