Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation held its 9th Annual Fundraiser Dinner and Auction on Apr. 2 at the Prairie Place in Arcola. The event started with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Fundraising started at 8 p.m. when the raffle table and silent auction began, followed by a live auction at 8:30 p.m. with auctioneer, Chad Eaton, donating his time and talent to the cause.
More than 260 people were in attendance for the event which received overwhelming support. With no final figures as of yet, the dinner and auction is expected to have raised between $40,000 and $50,000 for the organization and its programming. Jim Brown, president of the Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation, stated "we have to send a big thank you out to all of the donors and buyers. It is looking like it is going to come out as the best we have had to-date."
Donations for the dinner and auction are obtained from businesses within the area, both big and small. The Ping Pong raffle that grants the winner selection of one of three guns, cleared over $7,000 this year. The "Silence of the North" fishing trip itself pulled in $4,100 which is the highest that the trip has ever gone for.
Jim stated that "these funds are very important to our organization as they allow our organization to carry on. We donate some of the funds to the provincial association to help that organization keep going, as well as the Habitat Trust Fund which purchases land that would otherwise be destroyed habitat." The local organization is also looking into purchasing land within the area to be preserved for wildlife habitat. Additionally, the organization financially supports the Wildlife Rehab and Rescue Centre, as well as purchasing approximately $6,000 worth of pheasants to be released within the area.
Locally, Jim stated that the federation is "always looking for youth projects to get involved in." The organization provides scholarships to high schools within the area, as well as sending kids to wildlife camps in both Estevan and Prince Albert. Recently, they provided snowshoes and travel to elementary students for an outdoor excursion. They also provide hunter safety and boating courses within the area to community members of all ages.
The Moose Mountain Wildlife Federation is a branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and includes the towns of Arcola, Carlyle, Kisbey, Lampman and Stoughton and surrounding areas. The organization holds a number of events and activities throughout the year including winter and summer fishing outings and the Annual Awards Night and Wild Game Supper.
The federation is continually looking for new members. Meetings are open to the public and held the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. Meetings take place at the Clubhouse located on Main Street in Arcola. For more information on how to get involved, contact Jim Brown or stop by one of the organization's meetings.
