Running Wild Rescue works tirelessly to give plenty of furry friends a shot at finding a family, which means each of their fundraisers help further a heartwarming cause.
Hosted by Sunni Schimpf of Sunni Rae Designs, the upcoming fundraiser features a night of DIY wall decor, where each participant has all the materials available to create a personalized Scrabble tile wall hanging.
“It's kind of a DIY project. I get all the different pieces together for everybody and they get to stain them and paint them, so it's kind of a handmade item for them without too much extensive work involved,” said Schimpf.
Running Wild Rescue was intrigued by the sign-making night, and joined forces with Schimpf to host the unique fundraiser event.
“It's just something different than like a normal supper fundraiser or things like that, that people do all the time,” said Arianna Wetaski, from Running Wild Rescue.
Participants are asked to plan what they would like their sign to say before the event, as Schimpf cuts the tiles herself by hand prior to the night of the workshop, where participants stain and put them together.
The fundraiser requires participants to pay for their tiles beforehand, and all of the funds raised from the night will be directed back to Running Wild Rescue to cover their important expenses, like vet bills.
“We've had a lot of animals that needed dental work or had like broken toes and just like normal everyday vet care for the dogs and cats,” said Wetaski.
The rescue is relatively new, approaching its first anniversary in December, and already Wetaski and her cofounder Jasmin Wenarchuk have been able to pamper and place numerous cats and dogs with loving new families.
In fact, they’ve been doing well enough that they’ve begun taking smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs and are considering expanding to helping farm animals in the future.
All of Running Wild Rescue’s animals are housed in foster homes, and they work with potential families across Canada to rehome the pets — finding the animals a ride to the proper province however possible.
“We will transport or dogs or other animals to like B.C. or other areas as well,” said Wetaski. “we have a lot of people who are willing to like drive places or we just know a lot of people who have to go back to certain areas, so it's kind of nice that way.”
Both Wetaski and Schimpf are looking forward to the sign-making night, especially since it will be dedicated to a selfless cause.
“This is just a great opportunity for me to help different groups in the community, and Running Wild is definitely one that's been near and dear to my heart, just for what they're doing,” said Schimpf.
The Scrabble tile sign fundraiser is on Dec. 3 at the Anavets building on High St. W, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost is determined by the number of tiles used in a custom design, and Schimpf asks that participants design and submit their signs at least two days prior to the event. Details are on the event’s Facebook page.
