麻豆视频

ESTEVAN — The Estevan Wildlife Federation (EWF) hosted its 39th annual fundraising supper on April 13, drawing strong community support to mark not only the fundraiser but also the organization’s 80th anniversary.

“It was fantastic. Everybody had a really good time, and we raised some good funds to help us with our projects, so we're very pleased,” said Wanda Michel, president of the local federation.

Held at the Power Dodge Curling Centre, the evening began with a supper, prepared by Spilchuk Meats and Catering.

“They did an amazing job. Everybody really enjoyed the meal,” Michel said.

Following dinner, the program honoured four longstanding members for their years of volunteer service and contributions to the federation.

“We recognized four individuals for their volunteer contribution to our organization over the years. One was Gord Thompson, another one was Harvey Hackney, Lionel Bender and Murray Mosley,” Michel said. “Murray Mosley, we also gave him a lifetime membership for 55 years of service on our executive.”

Thompson was recognized for “his many years of dedication to continued maintenance of our gun range.” Hackney received acknowledgement for “his many years of dedication and contributions to habitat development.” Bender was honoured for “his continued dedication and service, holding many executive positions since 1979.” And Mosley received recognition “for his incredible knowledge of wildlife and aquatic life both in southeast Saskatchewan and around the province as well as his involvement on a number of boards and holding many positions over the last 55 years.”

The evening also featured a high-spirited auction.

“We were extremely pleased to have Jason LeBlanc back as our auctioneer. He always makes it so much fun, and everybody really had a good time,” Michel said. “And the audience, they really made sure that they were supporting our organization.”

Raffles and silent auctions rounded out the evening, giving attendees the chance to go home with an array of prizes while supporting conservation and community initiatives.

“We keep them very busy and send them home with a lot of good items,” Michel said.

Despite a slower economy, the federation continues to receive strong backing from the Estevan community.

“Quite honestly, this community does such an incredible job of coming together to support our organization,” Michel said.

Funds raised through the event – approximately $40,000 net, Michel said – will support ongoing and new projects.

“That’ll definitely help us through the year,” she added. “A really big thank you to everybody who supported the fundraiser.”

Among the projects, initiatives and facilities supported is the Rafferty Marina, which the federation maintains.

“There’s so many people who come together either supporting us financially or with their equipment and their time to make sure that marina is functioning for everybody to use,” said Michel.

This year, the EWF also launched a new project: turkey translocation.

“We’ve had some flocks that are getting quite large,” Michel said. “Through the donations of our supporters, we've been able to… get permits and build some traps and things so that we can take them from one location to another to allow them to flourish in another area.”

Turkeys are typically relocated in the spring or fall, and Michel said the project helps balance wildlife near farms.

“As much as the farmers enjoy them, when they get too big, sometimes I think they become a little bit of a nuisance,” she said. “We help to feed them to get them through the winter, and then… we will relocate them.”

EWF also continues to run a popular youth program.

“We have our kids camp that… we always have waiting lists for,” said Michel. “Those funds also help to make sure that that goes on every year.”

This year’s fundraiser doubled as a celebration of the federation’s 80th anniversary.

“We started in 1945, and we are one of the largest branches in the province,” Michel said. “We started, gosh, I'm going to say maybe with about eight members … and there was just great dedication from a lot of people over the years to grow it to where we are today.”

Now, the federation boasts nearly 1,200 members, many of whom dedicate time and effort to EWF’s projects.

“We are pretty big,” Michel said. “It takes a lot of volunteers… every little bit counts, and we appreciate all of it.”

In addition to the marina, EWF also developed the beach and boat docks at Boundary Dam before turning them over to park management. The organization also continues to operate a gun range, clubhouse and contributed to the filleting shack at Boundary.