CARIBOU, Maine — The American Red Cross responded to over 75 fires in 2014 that affected 200 people and cost the non-profit around $1,600 per family of four, and those funds were available in part due to the region’s love of cute, cuddly critters.
It’s the 15th year of the annual Cute, Cuddly Critter Campaign through Katahdin Trust Company and the American Red Cross, and stuffed animals are flying off the counters this year.
“It seems like the customers are here faithfully every year and looking forward to the new critters,” said Director of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross Joyce Knorr, who thinks this is one of the best years for selection.
“We have such an assortment, and they’re so unique — the fox and the wolf and the black bear — and there’s horses!” she commented. The likeability of the critters this year does come at a cost — when Knorr asked her 4-year-old grandson to pick one, he selected four.
Stuffed animals are available for a $10 donation, and there are a variety of animals from which to choose, from alligators and owls to bunnies and wolves.
Knorr commented that the critters are nice gifts for people, whether a holiday, anniversary, birthday or just because.
“Just a warm and fuzzy to say ‘have a good day,’” she added.
For the Craig sisters, Ashleigh, 14, and Lauren, 10, their favorite stuffed animal is the wolf.
Ashleigh selected the canine critters in previous fund-raising campaigns, and Lauren explained her extra reason for liking the wolf.
“My sister went on this website and my spirit animal is a wolf,” the 10-year-old stated.
Knowing that the proceeds from the Critter Campaign makes these stuffed animals extra special for the sisters, and teenage Ashleigh said that you’re never too old for stuffed animals — plus she likes the fact that the local bank is helping the Red Cross with their disaster relief efforts.
“I love it a lot because that’s just fun,” Ashleigh stated.
“This is a special cause,” her sister added.
Critters are available at Katahdin’s 15 branches throughout northern Maine, and will be available until Feb. 14, or while supplies last.
“A disaster can strike anyone, at any time, and we’re grateful to have the Red Cross in our community,” said Vicki Smith, the bank’s senior vice president of marketing and communications. “We’re pleased that Katahdin Trust Company can again support these efforts through our Cute, Cuddly Critter Campaign. Our staff and customers have fun collecting the Critters, and are especially pleased that the money goes to a very good cause.”
