MEOW Foundation has always believed in the power of community. Since our founding in 2000, we’ve been supported by generous Calgarians who care deeply about the welfare of stray and abandoned cats. While donations have always played a major role in sustaining our work, MEOW has long recognized the importance of diversifying our funding. One of the most unique and successful fundraising streams to emerge over the years has been our presence at markets across the city and surrounding areas.
What started as a handful of casual fundraisers has grown into a vibrant, volunteer-powered program that supports our rescue efforts and introduces our work to new audiences. Each year, MEOW now participates in dozens of market days, some weekends with multiple markets happening at once. And with every event, we bring not only our signature charm, but also an ever-growing collection of handmade goods and locally supported merchandise.
Where It All Began
In MEOW’s early years, fundraising events looked a little different. Volunteers hosted garage sales out of their homes and community centres, offering secondhand goods and early versions of MEOW’s now-signature handmade cat toys and beds. These events laid the groundwork for what would eventually become MEOW’s regular market presence.
Some of these humble beginnings even led to new ventures—such as a short-term pop-up shop, which was so successful it later inspired the launch of the MEOW Charity Thrift Shop. These events were more than just financial wins; they helped build awareness and community support in MEOW’s formative years. Many volunteers and adopters first connected with the organization through a booth or display tucked into the corner of a local building or street fair.
A Market Booth Like No Other
Today, MEOW’s market booths are a far cry from our earliest days of card tables and secondhand wares. With help from our dedicated volunteer crafters, the booth is filled with high-quality, lovingly made items for pets and people alike. These include cozy cat beds, snuffle mats, accessories like microwave bowl cozies and zipper pouches, crocheted slippers, and practical home items like gardening aprons and pet placemats.
We’re proud that many of these goods are made with upcycled or scrap materials, giving new life to fabric that might otherwise be discarded. It’s one more way we support a sustainable approach to fundraising. Alongside these handcrafted goods, we also carry merchandise from local vendor partners who donate a portion of their sales to support MEOW’s mission.
Visit the Regal Cat Cafe Vendor to learn more.
More Than Just Money
The financial impact of these markets has been significant. Between booth sales and on-site donations, our market days now bring in tens of thousands of dollars annually to support rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming efforts for cats in our care.
But the value of the markets goes beyond the bottom line. Every market is also a chance to meet new people, share stories, and spread the word about what MEOW does. “We always start by asking, ‘Are you familiar with MEOW Foundation?’” says Stephanie. “So many people say no—and that’s our opportunity to change that.”
Many people are surprised to learn that in addition to adoption, MEOW operates a subsidized Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), a Cat Food Assistance Program, a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program, and even our own thrift shop and Kensington’s Regal Cat Café. Markets give us a platform to educate the public on these services and invite them to get involved—whether that’s through fostering, volunteering, donating, or adopting.
Where to Find Us
To see where we’ll be next, check our Events Calendar regularly. Whether you’re on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind handmade gift or just want to learn more about the work we do, we’d love for you to stop by and say hello.
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the support of people like you—and our market booth is just one of many ways you can be part of the MEOW community.