And if that were to happen, it would mark yet another occasion where the local animal shelter sees just how much they mean to the community.
“It’s been going very well, and it’s actually surprising this year, our ticket sales have been going a lot quicker than they have in the past, so that’s a good sign,” said Donna Fritzke, fundraising co-ordinator for the MJHS. “I think a big part of it is we have different options for purchasing them this year, so that’s helping boost sales quite a bit.”
Tickets are $20 each, three for $50 and five for $75 and are available for purchase over the phone at (306) 692-1517 or by e-transfer to [email protected]. You can also pick up tickets at a pair of local businesses in Spike Grooming (817 High Street) and Gemmell Shoes (110 Main Street).
A total of 1,700 tickets are available, and if all are sold, the Humane Society stands to make around $12,000 -- funds that will go a long way to helping the shelter support their critters while they wait for their forever home.
“We’ve been really promoting that this lottery is really about the animals, it’s not just winning $10,000, it’s about supporting the shelter and our community,” Fritzke said, adding that in her short time with the Humane Society, the community aspect has loomed large.
She pointed to people grieving because their dog or cat has passed away and they come to have their pet cremated, or folks calling in anxious because their dog is lost. And on the positive side, the joy and excitement when families come in to adopt a pet.
“I always thought of the shelter as just a place where all the animals are, but the Humane Society plays such a vital role in our community because we help people, as well, and I’ve never really thought of that before,” Fritzke said. “We’re all responsible for homeless animals, so let’s help them out.”
The 4 Paws Lottery will feature special $500 draw dates every Saturday in July -- July 3, 10, 17 and 24 -- before the grand prize draw takes place on July 31.
Based on the way things have gone so far, Fritzke is hopeful they’ll reach their goal of a sellout.
“One thing I just can’t believe is how our businesses and people support the Humane Society,” she said. “It’s just really fun to try and go out and raise money because everyone is on board and will do whatever they can to help. That makes my job a lot of fun.”
