Press Release
United States Coast Guard cutter Diligence Undertakes a Community project at The Hope Animal Shelter in St. George
Bridgetown, Barbados, Wednesday, May 06, 2009 – On Saturday, May 9, crew members from the United States Coast Guard cutter DILIGENCE undertook a much-needed community project at The Hope Animal Shelter in St. George.
Ten male and female crew members from the DILIGENCE lend their strong arms and high enthusiasm to the task of preparing the Shelter to protect some of Barbados’ growing number of neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs and cats.
The Hope Sanctuary was started in 2003 with the mission to rescue animals from unnecessary cruelty and neglect. Operated entirely by volunteers and financed by donations and fund-raising events, the Hope Sanctuary is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing of abandoned dogs and cats.
Under the leadership of Cornelia Coulthrust, the founder and president of The Hope Sanctuary, a new property in St. George was recently found that offers increased and improved housing facilities for the animals. It also has additional areas for animal exercise, training and care. In the near future The Hope Sanctuary plans to offer educational programs on animal care for children.
The crew of the United States Coast Guard cutter DILIGENCE loaned the Hope Sanctuary much-welcomed construction know-how with the refurbishing of its newly acquired facility. At present the Hope Sanctuary offers shelter and care for over forty dogs and cats, and when the facility is renovated an even greater population of neglected and abandoned domestic pets will find care and safety.
Saturday’s volunteer efforts by crew members of the DILIGENCE follows on a similar exercise conducted in April by crew members from the visiting vessel the USN WINSTON S. CHURCHILL. Both volunteer programs by crews of visiting U.S. warships have been facilitated by the U.S. Embassy in Barbados.