The Estevan Humane Society was thrilled to receive a generous $5,500 donation from the B&T Gun Show this week. The funds will go a long way in supporting the shelter’s ongoing operations.
“We didn’t know how much we would receive until the actual event,” said Tayja Lakusta, the President of the Board of Directors for the Estevan Humane Society. “It’s based on the turnout and how much the event raises, so when we got the cheque, we were pretty surprised and excited to be the beneficiaries of this donation.”
The funds will go towards supporting the daily operations of the shelter, particularly medical and food expenses, which are critical in ensuring the animals' well-being. “Right now, it will probably be going towards medical bills, food bills, and other day-to-day operations,” Lakusta explained.
In terms of capacity, the shelter is in a good position as it heads into kitten season. “We’re prepared for the spring influx of kittens, although we haven’t had calls yet,” said Lakusta. “For dogs, we've had a lot of puppies adopted, but we still have some long-term residents who have been with us for over a year. We’d love to see them find their forever homes soon.”
The shelter has also seen a positive response to its recent efforts to recruit more foster families. Lakusta explained that the shelter held a meeting with current foster families, giving them an opportunity to connect on a more personal level and share their experiences. “It was great to meet some of the fosters in person because we don’t always get that chance,” she said. “The feedback was really positive, and we’re hoping to have more foster families sign up soon to help us care for the animals.”
To raise additional funds, the Estevan Humane Society is hosting a fundraiser on May 10th. The Ladies Night event, which was a hit last year, is making a return. This year’s event will feature live entertainment from the Canadian Playboys and DJ Ruck'n'Roll to keep the atmosphere lively. Guests can also enjoy an appetizer spread by Eddie Webster, which was highly praised at last year’s event.
“We started this event last year, and everyone we talked to afterwards said we had to do it again, so here we are,” Lakusta shared. “It’s a bachelorette-themed ladies night, but if you don’t want to dress up, that’s fine. We’d still love to have you join us.” There are still tables available for purchase, with about 10 or 11 left. Lakusta hopes the event sells out in advance.
Proceeds from the event will continue to support the shelter’s operations.
For those interested in purchasing tickets for Ladies Night, they can contact Lakusta directly at 306-421-5970.
As for the recent donation, the Estevan Humane Society is grateful for the continued community support that makes it possible for them to continue their vital work caring for animals in need.