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Humane Society gets ready for annual gala

Apr 28, 2017 | 12:00 PM

Joined by four baby kittens, Cherry Insurance in North Battleford gave a helping $5,000 to the Humane Society of the Battlefords on Thursday, to give the animal shelter a head start for its big fundraising gala taking place this weekend.

The Humane Society’s annual fundraising gala dinner and auction starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, and takes place at Gold Ridge Centre in North Battleford. The theme this year is Beauty and the Beast’s Magical Evening.

Michelle Spark, shelter coordinator for the Humane Society of the Battlefords, said the gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for the organization and usually raises roughly $30,000. The proceeds from the event largely help cover costs for operations and maintenance of the animals at the shelter.

It costs about $220,000 per year to maintain the shelter.

“That money is a huge help for us,” Spark said of the gala proceeds.

The shelter is also fundraising toward establishing a new larger building to house future animals. Any money left over from operation costs during the year is directed toward the new build fund.

Spark is hoping for a good turnout at the gala and said she appreciates everyone’s support.

Saskatchewan Mutual Insurance Company (SMI) donates $50,000 per year to various charities that is divided by 10 SMI insurance brokers across Western Canada where SMI operates. The brokers each select a charity of their choice.

Jim Sutton, aninsurance broker with Cherry Insurance, said staff suggested donating their $5,000 share to the local Humane Society.

“We know that they need it, and we’re happy to assist them,” he said, adding he is “very enthused” about the Battlefords Humane Society’s long-term goal to build a new shelter. “It can’t happen soon enough.”

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

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