The local animal shelter is hoping to raise more than just the roof.
The Bonnyville and District SPCA is hosting their annual Raise the Woof fundraiser, which means the Bonnyville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre will be full of laughter on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Happy hour starts at 5 p.m, followed by supper at 6 p.m. and the comedy show at 8 p.m.
“It’s actually the largest fundraiser that we put on,” explained Bonnyville SPCA acting president Charlene Rask. “Until this past year, we had absolutely no funding from the Town or MD of Bonnyville. Now, both the town and MD have stepped up and are generously helping us to run the facility. Before that, the only way the place had any chance of keeping the doors open was through fundraisers and events such as this.”
The shelter is hoping to raise around $13,000 to assist with operating costs to help care for the roughly 350 animals that come through their doors each year.
According to fundraiser coordinator, Sharon Ducharme, a majority of the money raised will go toward the influx of cats they have.
“Right now, we have kittens, kittens, and more kittens. We’re overflowing, so a lot of the money goes toward their care. Being that they’re coming in young, there’s a lot of expenses as far as getting their proper food, whether they’re so young that they have to be bottle-fed, then that’s a different expense rather than them being old enough to have solid food.”
Due to what Rask described as a “cat crisis,” the shelter is at full capacity for animals, and currently have a waiting list for ones they can’t take.
“They all deserve a loving home, and that’s what we’re trying to do is find them loving homes. But, the problem is people need to be a little more educated and make sure that they’re getting these animals spayed and neutered so we don’t have a problem like this,” she exclaimed.
Ducharme and Rask agree the SPCA wouldn’t be able to do what they do if it wasn’t for the support they receive from the community.
“The volunteers are what keep us going,” noted Ducharme. “We have an unbelievable staff, and they’re just so devoted to make sure the animals are well cared for and well-loved. The volunteers that come into the shelter on a weekly basis and play with the animals and walk them, and the financial support that comes from donations here and there from the businesses and regular people, we’ve been very lucky and fortunate.”
With the event quickly approaching, Ducharme is looking forward to a fun evening that’s bound to have people leaving with a smile.
“It’s a great way for us to be part of the community, and let everybody know what we do, how many animals do end up in our care, and how many animals go to wonderful and loving homes,” she said.
Along with the comedy show, there will be a silent and live auction.
For more information call 780-826-3230 or visit the SPCA on their website at bonnyvillespca.com.
