Members of the US Coast Guard Sector Northern Great Lakes in Sault Ste. Marie are volunteering their time this week moving items and animals from the old section of the Chippewa County Animal Shelter to the new addition.
Holly Henderson, shelter director, appreciates their help.
"It's kind of a daunting task. It is a bit overwhelming but the space in the new building is laid out nicely to make the move," Henderson said.
One of the shelter's employees has a son who is in the Coast Guard and that is how the ball got rolling.
Jason Kiefer is that son.
He rounded up around a dozen or so Coasties to help with the move as part of the Coast Guard Enlisted Association (CGEA).
The CGEA is a not-for-profit organization and is not a part of the US Coast Guard or any government agency. Their purpose is to assist our fellow shipmates, command and community.
"It's good for us to help out the community that we serve in. It's what we do. I have cats and dogs so I am very familiar with animals," Kiefer said.
The $1.2 million project started in Fall 2023 is expected to be completed this October.
"It's on time. It is working out better than what I had imagined. I'm not going to lie about it. I was stressed out in the beginning but I think it is going pretty smooth," Henderson said.
Henderson hopes the move into the new addition will be completed by Friday so that way the old addition can be remodelled.
