Yukon charity shelters pets when owners escape domestic violence

When escaping domesticviolence, a person faces worriesand stress in all directions. Will theybe safe? Where will they stay? Who will they tell?

There's also another question: Who takes care of the dog or cat?

JordiMikeli-Jonesadvocates for animals and is the founder of Kona's Coalition in Whitehorse. She says that last question is an important one, asworriesabout the family pet couldmake someonehesitate before getting to safety.

Kona'sCoalition provides animals with places to stay when their owners are in crisis. The group also provides emergency grants to low-income people for veterinarybills.

Mikeli-Jonessays thesegrants have added up to morethan $70,000 in the last threeyears alone.

"To think of the animals we've been able to help as well as families, it gives me a sense of pride," she says.

Volunteer of the Year

Mikeli-Jones was recognised earlier this week as the City of Whitehorse's Volunteer of the Year.

She says her group is looking tostart a youth program as well as improveYukon'sspay-and-neuter program.This year, Kona's Coalition has runposter campaigns looking for information to help solvecases of animal abuse in Whitehorse.

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Kona's Coalition has also held severalfundraisers,includingcostumedances, electronic, rap and rock concerts and fashion shows.

"I am really passionate about animals and I think a lot of the fundraising has centred around music," says Mikeli-Jones. "It's easy because at the end of the day I have the reward of knowing we helped the animals. I get hugs, I get tears.It's hugely fulfilling."