A generous donation from the Next Gen Car Club will help the Moose Jaw Humane Society continue to spay and neuter all the puppies and kitties that come into the shelter.
The two-year-old car club held a show and shine in the parking lot of Tatawaw Park — the former Wild Animal Park — on June 27 and attracted an overwhelming amount of interest. From the fees collected and donations received, the organization gave the humane society $2,030.
Michael Wilson, one of three group founders that include Austin Murray and Jaideep Singh, presented a large bag of coins and bills to the humane society on June 30, which fundraising co-ordinator Donna Fritzke was pleased to receive.
“They did a great job. It was so well attended that they were turning people away because it was so packed,” Fritzke said. “(The donation is) amazing. It shows how well the community supports the humane society. I was there selling lottery tickets and the support was incredible. Many said we do great work in the community.”
About 350 people showed up, which was twice as many as expected, Wilson said. Meanwhile, roughly 150 people had to be turned away, which angered some since they had come from Alberta and Manitoba.
“Everyone’s excited to get out,” he said, noting the club had to acquire permission from Health Canada to hold the event.
The club started in 2019, but because the pandemic wiped out 2020, this year is the group’s official second season. Wilson noted that members have been excited to get outside and hold events, which should not be too difficult with the future looking brighter.
The show and shine took two months to plan, including talking to sponsors and encouraging the community to support the get-together, he continued. City hall was unwilling to clean the parking lot, which forced the club to ask the community for further help to sweep the pavement.
Many of those spectators who came out had plenty of fun, Wilson remarked. In addition, many budding entrepreneurs showed up with video cameras to film the activity to generate income from their productions.
Wilson added that the club was thankful for all the volunteers since the event likely would not have happened without them. Their support was greatly appreciated, especially since many were overworked and had many duties to perform.
Anyone interested in donating to the Moose Jaw Humane Society can call 306-692-1517.
