By Michael Howie, Oakville Today

The Ladybird Sideshow was a popular act, featuring four talented singer/songwriters that toured Canada and produced a record. When the band separated to pursue individual projects, one passion kept three of them together and has grown into the Ladybird Animal Sanctuary.

“Lisa [Winn] always talked about how her dream would be to live on a farm and have animals all around who she could help,” explained Ladybird co-founder Janine Stoll. “We can do that,” we said. “Let’s start an animal sanctuary.”

For the last year, co-founders Stoll, Winn and Melissa McClelland have worked tirelessly to build the momentum behind Ladybird Animal Sanctuary.

“Animals that no one wants, we’ll keep,” said Stoll. “The ones we think can adopt out will be adopted out. We also want it to be an interactive experience to come by and learn about animal welfare, maybe do some camps for kids and special needs groups. We want to show people why animals are so important and help them grow more compassion.”

The Ladybird Animal Sanctuary, which is an incorporated not-for-profit and awaiting charitable status, is hosting a series of small local events including the Ladybird Animal Sanctuary Holiday Benefit Concert on December 9.

The concert is being held at This Ain’t Hollywood, a hall of living legend status in Hamilton, and is featuring local talent such as Whitehorse, the DoneFors, Buckshot Bebee, Emma-Lee and Tiny Bill Cody.

The event will kick off at 8:30 pm with a suggested entrance donation of $20 with proceeds going to Ladybird Animal Sanctuary.

To find out more about the Ladybird Animal Sanctuary, the Holiday Benefit Concert or how you can help, visit www.ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com.