WEYBURN - The Weyburn Humane Society received very ‘heart-whelming’ support from the community, in response to the #bettywhitechallenge that was held on January 17. In observance of what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday, there was an online challenge created to donate $5 to an animal shelter or rescue in her honour.
“We were able to raise a total of $11,371,” said Colleen Morrice, shelter manager for the Weyburn Humane Society. “This is so amazing and our hearts are so full.”
There was another fundraiser held for Logan Paxman, which was successful in raising $1,000 for the Humane Society.
The Weyburn Humane Society held their annual general meeting on Sunday, and voted in a nine-member board.
Board members include: Kaylee Vanbeselaere, president; Bev Johnston, vice-president; Karie Ruckaber, treasurer; Lisa Webb, secretary; Colleen Morrice, shelter manager; and Randy Bakaluk, Savannah Bakaluk, Collette Bisaillon and Allen Bowmaster.
One of the main goals for the new board is to secure land for a new animal shelter, as well as to get fundraising in place to accomplish this goal.
According to the shelter report, there were 574 animals that were handled by the Weyburn Humane Society, including one injured pigeon, which healed and flew away on her own.
The current bookkeeper resigned from that position, so the Humane Society is looking for someone to fill those shoes.
In the financial report, with a year-end of September 2021, the Humane Society had reported that donations were down, but fundraising was up by 49 per cent.
Grants had increased by 21 per cent and adoptions had increased by 12 per cent.
Building repairs, and vehicle and insurance costs were higher in 2021. Shelter expenses were lower, and vet expenses were a bit higher.
Overall, the Humane Society reported a net income of $34,390.43, which was $1,773.17 lower than the previous year.
