MOOSE JAW — To help the non-profit Moose Jaw Humane Society raise funds to maintain its daily operations, the design team at the Moose Jaw Express has partnered with the shelter to create a fun line of Halloween-themed hoodies which are now available for sale.
The shelter’s lineup of fundraising merchandise includes a festively decorated Halloween-themed hoodie for children and adults and a crewneck option as well.
“I’ve worked with Skye Mercier and the Moose Jaw Express, and Kevin (Ogle) at SaskPromo.com has helped us create a Halloween-edition hoodie and crewneck (line) and it has gone over amazingly,” announced Donna Fritzke, the fundraising co-ordinator for the Moose Jaw Humane Society.
Proceeds from the sale of these hoodies — and all the shelter’s books and other merchandise — goes toward supporting its day-to-day operations and helps each of the pets in its care. “It’s an amazing fundraising (option) for sure,” Fritzke confirmed.
Fritzke said the feedback she typically receives is that the hoodies are “so cute” and said a lot of people want one for Halloween. “A lot of adults said they’re going to wear them the day of Halloween as their Halloween costume,” she said. “We’ve seen them at the schools and hockey games, and even here at the Whistlestop craft show (where the Humane Society held a vendor’s booth).
“We’ve had nurses come in and buy them, and (they said) that they’re wearing them at the hospital,” she added.
What Fritzke appreciates most is the sheer amount of support from the community. In a two-week period, Fritzke said the shelter has sold 175 items including kids’ hoodies, adult hoodies, and crewneck sweaters.
“It’s just amazing. It’s so much fun to come up with an idea that people actually love, and it’s raising money for the shelter,” she said. “We’ve done exceptionally well — so far beyond my expectations.”
Each design is drafted by staff at the Humane Society and then taken to Mercier, who comes up with a final draft to be approved by the shelter. “We just give her a ballpark idea of what we’re looking for, and she comes up with the idea. She nails it on the head all the time.”
Fritzke said the shelter now plans to add a Christmas-themed design. “So, within the next couple of weeks, we’ll have another whole new look. It’s really fun.”
Fritzke wished to thank everyone who helped in the project including Mercier, herself a tattoo artist by trade who works at The Amber Room.
“I would like to mention a very special thank you to Starla and her staff at the Starlight Handmade Market for selling our merchandise,” Fritzke added. “One hundred per cent of the proceeds go towards helping our furry friends which is absolutely amazing.
“From all the pets at the shelter, Happy Halloween!” she concluded.
The Humane Society’s merchandise can be purchased at the shelter or at the Starlight Handmade Market at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall.
The Moose Jaw Humane Society is located at 1755 Stadacona Street West and can be reached at 306-692-1517. For more information visit MJHS.ca or follow ‘Moose Jaw Humane Society’ on Facebook.
