It’s time to Raise the Woof for the local animal shelter.
The Bonnyville and District SPCA is once again hosting their Raise the Woof fundraiser. On Saturday, Sept. 29, the Bonnyville’s Seniors’ Drop-In Centre will feature the annual event raising money for the local shelter.
Happy hour starts at 5 p.m, followed by supper at 6 p.m. and the comedy show at 8 p.m.
“It’s our major fundraiser for the SPCA,” explained Carolyn Kellett, treasurer for the shelter.
The event has raised approximately $10,000 since their first fundraiser six years ago.
According to Kellett, fundraising events are crucial for keeping the SPCA’s doors open.
“Our regular revenue stream doesn’t cover our expenses every month. We have a shortfall every single month. We rely on things like this fundraiser, major donations, and corporate support,” she said. “Now we’re actually going to the municipalities, both the town and MD, to ask for ongoing sustainable funding because we aren’t going to be able to make it.”
The creator and producer of Raise the Woof, James Uloth, started the group to work with animal rescues to help them raise money. They organize over 40 events each year across Western Canada.
“The people in Bonnyville want to come out and support, and (the SPCA) is doing such great work and people in the community see that,” he said.
After learning that a number of animal shelters in Alberta aren’t government-funded, Uloth partnered with groups in need of an annual fundraising event.
“Our show gives them all the tools. They can come in, we give them a line-up of comics, and how to promote it... It’s just plug and play for them in that respect,” he noted.
One of the comedians this year is Calgary-native Cory Mack, who’s excited to be coming to Bonnyville for Raise the Woof.
“There’s something for everybody,” she said. “It’s been made for great folks in communities such as Bonnyville all over the province. I’ve been doing this almost 30 years. I’m from a small town in Saskatchewan, and I love to talk to people right where they are.”
Along with Mack, Edmonton-based comedians Ryan Short and Alex Fortin will warm-up the crowd after dinner.
The community support for the event in the past six years has been crucial to its success. Kellett said it helps “support the lost, stray, and unwanted animals in the community. They need your help.”
Along with the comedy show, there will be a silent auction, a few live auction items, a cash bar, and dinner.
For more information call 780-826-3230 or visit the SPCA on their social media page.
