The Comfie Cat Shelter on Norweld Drive is run completely by volunteers, so when the team needed a new vehicle to maintain daily operations, they looked to the community for support.
Many generous and passionate pet people came together and the shelter was able to acquire a new van six months ago.
Matt Wimpory, the shelter’s manager, is grateful for the many donations received. The shelter was able to raise $40,000 for the van, which is a 2020 model.
He said he was using his own van to make the trips for spays and neuters to Barrie twice a week because the South Barrie Animal Hospital is its primary care provider. Veterinary costs are discounted there, but the wear-and-tear on the vehicle finally was too much.
“It’s been incredibly successful,” Wimpory said of the new van. “Being able to drive a safe and reliable vehicle is great.”
The plan is to insure four more drivers to operate the vehicle, and the hope is the van will serve the shelter well for another 10 years.
Wimpory volunteered with the Comfie Cat Shelter for eight years; he has been the manager for two. He recently had to make the decision not to take in any more cats and focus on providing the best care possible to the animals that are there.
The shelter currently cares for 177 cats, 80 per cent of which are housed at the shelter; the rest are distributed among 13 foster homes.
“I love cats,” Wimpory said, which is the key ingredient to the care provided at the Comfie Cat Shelter.
And comfy they are.
The building provides numerous rooms for the cats. Volunteers can group them based on the different social needs, which is something they all take seriously.
One room includes the older generations of cats. Another has 13 newer arrivals that keep to their own cozy beds and hammocks.
At roughly $3,000 in monthly costs to meet basic functions, there are many ways the Comfie Cat Shelter puts donations to use. Both dry and wet food are important to the health of the cats. There is also the cost of the building and the veterinary bills.
“The biggest challenge to care for this many cats is (upper respiratory infections),” said Wimpory.
He said the common cat cold happens frequently. The infirmary is used to treat, track, and nurse the cats to good health.
There are two key features of the Comfie Cat Shelter that set it apart from others: The adoption application requires people to include references, and a veterinary contact is requested. Due to this, the adoption process is not a same-day service.
Although the capabilities of the team fluctuate and volunteer efforts are always needed, “we have a bunch of steadfast volunteers here on a regular basis,” said Wimpory.
From desk work to cleaning, and socializing with the animals, there are many tasks. Wimpory explained the positive relationship with high schools in Orillia allows the shelter to teach students about the requirements at the organization through co-op programs.
The shelter continues to maintain its community efforts, including the November 50/50 raffle.
Raffles in the past were often capped at $500. Now, with the help of a new sponsor, Wes Brennan Construction, the November raffle jackpot is $1,000.
The Comfie Cat Shelter 2025 calendars are also available, and its annual Christmas Dinner and Silent Auction will be held Nov. 30. It is also excited to be finalizing a contract with TipTap Pay, a portable device that allows it to collect donations electronicall
It is useful for those who wish to donate but don’t have cash, “which many people don’t carry anymore,” noted Wimpory.
Lexi Hedmann has been volunteering at the Comfie Cat Shelter since March. She also works at PetSmart, where a number of the shelter’s cats are housed for adoption.
Hedmann’s passion for this work comes from her love of the cats and the people.
“You can tell that everyone really wants to help the cats and wants to care for them. It’s really sweet that way,” she said.
