Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation (WAIF) is grateful for the extraordinary volunteer efforts that went into constructing WAIF’s multi-purpose barn located on WAIF’s new shelter site.

From Clinton to Oak Harbor, animal lovers donated more than 800 hours of volunteer labor to come together to help create a legacy of caring for Whidbey Island’s stray and abandoned companion animals.

Whidbey Island’s island-wide animal shelter would like to recognize the huge volunteer efforts that have gone into building the multi-purpose barn.

From July through December of 2012, over 100 volunteers generously donated their free time of over 800 hours in less than ideal weather conditions to build a multi-purpose barn that will help WAIF continue to grow its mission of helping the stray and abandoned animal population of Whidbey Island.

Nearing completion, the barn represents significant progress as the first phase in WAIF’s new shelter construction.

We’re extremely humbled and appreciative of the involvement of the community and members of the military. Everyone’s willingness to donate their free time and help WAIF build its new barn is an energizing first step toward WAIF’s future.

It’s a very exciting time for WAIF and it’s been made possible with the generous help and dedication of our volunteers.

It was a true coming together of the local community and indicative of the giving nature of Whidbey Island — an inspiring example of civic pride that WAIF was grateful to be a part of.

Groups such as the Lions, military personnel and individuals gathered from all over the island to work together on the barn’s construction.

In addition to the volunteer labor, WAIF also received generous in-kind donations of architectural services, general construction management and materials.

Making this all possible are also the generous donations that WAIF has received to date through its capital campaign for the new shelter.

The funds donated have allowed WAIF to proceed in the construction of the barn and when the new shelter is built, the multi-purpose barn will be used to hold events, programs and educational classes for those passionate about caring for Whidbey Island’s companion animal population.

The barn is anticipated to be completed in May, so if you didn’t get to help out in 2012, there will be more opportunities in 2013.

Once complete the barn will provide immediate office space for WAIF’s capital campaign team and a location where people can learn more about WAIF’s efforts to build a new shelter.

For more information about Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation, visit www.waifanimals.org.

John Rohrer

project manager

WAIF volunteer barn