The Toronto Humane Society says it has not received a cent from the $9,595 raised by well-intentioned cat lovers to take care of a kitten named Pedro. The creature was said to be rescued from Highway 427 last month by a passerby, Mandi Howard. She said the animal was thrown out of a car. She brought the injured kitten to the Toronto Humane Society’s River Street facility where it has been treated and recovered. All costs, totalling about $1,000, were paid for by the society The money was raised on the crowdsourcing website Indiegogo but the program is now closed. Some reports said the collection was the subject of a fraud investigation but the police deny this. Police say they are not investigating Howard. In the statement, the humane society also said that Howard remains first in line to adopt the kitten – currently being cared for in a foster home. The society says it is concerned only about Indiegogo campaign and the campaign administrator, who remains unnamed. The case points out the ease with which money can be raised for animals and other causes without very much control over where it goes. Television campaigns for both animals and children’s charities engage in advertising featuring intense assessment of guilt as a means to make people part with their money. Maria Vanta has written a summary of moves being made by owners and developers along Eglinton, adding some reasonable assumptions of how it will change this long street which still gives off a largely suburban feeling. Globe and Mail
The re-opening of Loblaws on Redway Road had a good start today as Virgin Radio FM 99.9 host Tessa (inset) was live during the morning. Among the fascinating food spectacles was this Sushi Dragon prepared for the occasion. The cheeky South Bayview Bulldog had some fun during the event by asking if Leaside was big enough for Tessa and the Bulldog. Who knows about the Dragon. But it was — and is. The store was sparkling as Manager Carlos Tereceros surveyed the newly outfitted location. The maple syrup taffy pop rolling was a huge success. There was musical entertainment such as an opera-singing chef and gourmet food sampling. The first 100 adult customers to visit the store on opening day received a $25 President’s Choice Gift Card. This Loblaws location will continue to offer customers the convenience of a full-service grocery store, with a new distinctive food market-style layout that includes quick and easy grab-and-go meals and new premium and chef inspired food offerings.
