With the recent influx of cats and dogs being brought to the shelter, the need to raise funds is at an all-time high for the  Pincher Creek Humane Society. The organization is preparing for what is shaping up to be a busy summer of fundraising events.

“We’re totally non-profit, so we rely on grants, fundraising and donations,” says Felicia White, executive director of the PCHS.

“We get funding from the town and MD each year, but it’s not enough to keep the shelter running at the capacity that is being required of us right now, and it’s not fair to the animals.”

To help alleviate the financial stressors facing the shelter, Felicia, along with board members, staff and volunteers, has organized a number of events and programs throughout the summer to raise money, while engaging the community with some fun activities.

“The PCHS is here to help the animals, but also to educate the public, so these are things that could help us but also help in terms of engaging our community,” Felicia says.

The next fundraising opportunity at the shelter is Kids Paint Night at the shelter. For $25, parents can register their child for a fun-filled evening featuring a tour of the shelter, quality time with the animals and, of course, painting.

This event will recur throughout the summer. Dates for children aged six to nine are scheduled for June 8 and 29 and July 6. The dates for children 10 to 13 are June 6 and 27 and July 4.

Each slot will run with a maximum of six kids from 5 to 8 p.m. Children are expected to bring their own food and drinks, but art supplies will be provided on-site. Preregistration is required.

Next on the agenda is the shelter’s ’80s Dance Night, an adults-only event. Community members are invited to join the Humane Society at the Pincher Creek Legion on June 10 for an evening of dancing in your best ’80s threads.

The event will feature entertainment by Bluerock Music, and food and alcohol will be served.

Tickets are available at the shelter for $20. You can also support the shelter by purchasing 50-50 tickets at the event.

Next up is the first of three Pyjama Parties at the shelter for children aged five and up. For $25, parents can sign up their child for this evening of movies, games and interacting with the animals. 

The parties will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on June 23, July 14 and Aug 4. Other dates may be added, based on community interest. Children are asked to bring a pillow, blanket and a snack.

Only six children can attend per party, so if you’re a parent interested in having your child attend, make sure to preregister soon.

Lastly, the shelter will host a garage sale and barbecue Aug. 18. The PCHS is looking for donations of usable, unwanted household items to sell. 

The money will go toward supporting the animals, in addition to helping jump-start some new community programs. Examples include the Spay/Neuter Low Income Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Trap/Neuter/Return program (TNR). 

Currently, the organization has an ongoing bottle drive to raise funds. Residents are encouraged to donate their unwanted bottles to the shelter or to drop them off at the depot and let its staff know they’re for PCHS.

Last year the shelter raised $6,000 through its bottle drive, and the goal this year is $8,000.

In a few weeks, the shelter hopes to have a new community dog wash station set up for public use. The station will cost a small fee per use, with the money supporting the animals in the shelter’s care.

The dog wash station was made possible thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwest Alberta.

If you are unable to make a donation but still wish to help, consider volunteering at the shelter. Volunteer orientation seminars are held the second Saturday of each month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Stop by the shelter, fill out a volunteer form and see what it is all about.