Strutting mutts raised approximately $30,000 this past weekend.
The annual fundraiser for the Cochrane & Area Humane Society (CAHS) hosted all breeds at Mitford Park last Saturday and despite being $5,000 short of their original fundraising goal, organizers are still happy with the turnout.
“It was a great day, the weather co-operated, we had a great group of vendors and it was nice to see everyone out,” said Jaimie Anton, the society’s fund development officer.
The extra funds will come in handy for the shelter as the organizers said the staff is busier this year with the increased numbers of animals, in comparison to last year.
“We are seeing a lot of animals come through the doors with medical issues – sometimes when pet owners cannot afford the medical costs we see more surrenders,” Anton said.
The development officer said the increased number could be a correlation with the economic downturn but they will not know for sure until the can compare the total 2016 numbers at the end of the year.
Thankfully the shelter is able to keep costs down because of its huge volunteer-base but Anton said they always welcome more volunteers and donations. The society is funded through donations and public fundraising events, including the annual Mutt Strut – one of the shelter’s bigger fundraisers.
Organizers also wanted to thank everyone who came out to support the event.
“Thank you for the donations, thank you to the volunteers and thank you for continued support,” Anton said.
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society was founded in 1998 after a partnership between Charlene Ruttle, the Town of Cochrane animal control officer, and Tracy Keith to rescue and re-home lost, unwanted and surrendered animals. Now the society also offers educational programs and rural spay/neuter programs.
For more information about fundraising opportunities or how to donate to the Cochrane & Area Humane Society, contact the CAHS staff at 403-932-2072 or email [email protected].
