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Philly group that helps animals after fires wins $100K grant

Red Paw Emergency Relief Team started operations in 2012 and helps about 800 animals a year.

Jennifer Leary, founder of Red Paw Emergency Relief, with Baldwin, a fire rescue cat, outside Red Paw’s headquarters in South Philadelphia in 2014.
Jennifer Leary, founder of Red Paw Emergency Relief, with Baldwin, a fire rescue cat, outside Red Paw’s headquarters in South Philadelphia in 2014.Read moreCOURTNEY MARABELLA / Staff Photographer

Red Paw Emergency Relief Team, a Philadelphia nonprofit that rescues pets after fires and other disasters, has been named the winner of a $100,000 grant.

The NRG power company's crowd-sourced NRG Gives program announced Wednesday that Red Paw was the winner of a vote by company employees and the public.

Two other nonprofits, College Possible Philadelphia and Canine Partners for Life, received $20,000 and $10,000 donations, respectively, based on the vote total, NRG Gives said.

Read More > > > Red Paw rescues pets from disaster scenes

Jennifer Leary, a former Philadelphia firefighter who is president and a founder of Red Paw, received the donation at a  ceremony at the Philadelphia Fire Academy.

Red Paw works with area fire departments and the American Red Cross, responding to fires and providing emergency assistance for pets, including search and rescue, emergency transport, shelter, and veterinary care.

The group, which began operations in 2012, says it now assists about 800 animals a year.

"We can't fully put into words the impact this $100,000 grant from NRG will have on Red Paw," Leary said. "This is a watershed moment in our history and for the families with pets we serve."