A couple of local businesses have stepped up to help stop a major issue plaguing the Portage Animal Welfare Society shelter.

As reported on Feb. 22, 2017, the PAWS shelter -- located at 121 12th St. NE -- had been struggling with flooding issues since they moved in a couple of years ago and thanks to E.F. Moon Construction Ltd. and K B Tessier Snow Clearing & Landscaping Ltd. that may not be an issue anymore.

The water entering the shelter earlier this year. (File photo)

"We lost about half of our shelter due to the water coming in this spring, and we've never seen it that bad before," says Staci Creighton, Chairman and Treasurer for PAWS. "E. F. Moon has been so good to us for many, many years and they offered to supply the labour, all the equipment, and to install the weeping tile at our building. Ken and Cindy Tessier of K B Snowclearing and Landscaping Ltd. actually purchased and donated all of the weeping tiles for the building."

Todd Turner, General Manager of E.F. Moon Construction Ltd., says PAWS approached them with the problem a little while back.

"We had a couple of guys go over there and assess the situation to see what was required and it just needed a little attention to the land drainage. They weren't having the water runoff that they needed, so we decided to go and help them out. Everybody has heard of PAWS in Portage and they're necessary out here. They're a nonprofit and (they're) very limited to the funds that they have, and it's a worthwhile thing they're doing so we wanted to help out."

The E. F. Moon crew laying gravel over the weeping tiles. (Photo by Aaron Wilgosh)

"We figured the cause needs some help once in a while because they can't do all the maintenance themselves," says Cindy Tessier, co-owner of K B Tessier Snow Clearing & Landscaping Ltd. "We donated a roll of weeping tile so that when they dig out the ground it draws the water away from the building. The elevations there are very low compared to the road and the drainage, so the weeping tile will hopefully collect the water and take it away from the building."

Creighton adds they really appreciate it when the community steps up to help them out.

"We rely on donations, so for us to spend the money ourselves would be a huge cut from what we have and we wouldn't be able to save as many animals. Thank you so much, E. F. Moon, and Ken and Cindy Tessier, thank you so very much."