While it wasn't looking like ticket sales leading up to the big raffle draw for the Weyburn Humane Society's 'Ride for Paws' vehicle raffle of a 2024 GMC Terrain were going to allow the organization to raise a lot of funds, Weyburn did not disappoint.
The winner of the vehicle, Manuel Mejia, who had also purchased a ticket for last year's vehicle raffle, was able to head to Barber Motors after his name was drawn, and he shared his reaction with Discover Weyburn.
Read more: The Weyburn Humane Society wraps up fundraiser with one lucky winner
WHS board chair Randy Bakaluk said the last-minute ticket purchases were able to take them to about a $20,000 profit.
"It was surprising, there's always those last-minute ones, but when we can get numbers like that fast, that kind of blows things up a little bit."
He credits their 'super fans' for their support with this fundraiser.
"Without them, we wouldn't be here. They make everything happen."
While the Raffle Box platform used for the ticket sales still has to bill the WHS, noted Bakaluk, the funds will be going towards the operation of the animal shelter.
"Funds are very low in the general account. I seem to panic before others do," said Shelter Manager Colleen Morrice. "But my foremost goal is to have everyone fed and vetted, staff, and leftovers can go to the new building."
The WHS is working on a new shelter building at 310 East Avenue.
"We are extremely grateful to the whole community for supporting us," Morrice expressed. "We absolutely needed these funds. Manuel was super excited to win and so so so thankful for the win."
Morrice said she hopes to do another car raffle in the future.