Bannock Humane Society preps for big yearly fundraiser this weekend
When you think Christmastime and giving, you probably think about people in need. But what about animals in need?
This weekend, the Bannock Humane Society is holding its annual “Christmas for the Animals” fundraiser to help keep operations going and help animals in the process of finding their forever homes.
The phrase “home for the holidays” takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to the animals at the Bannock Humane Society.
The society currently has about 60 animals under its care that are waiting to be adopted and find forever families. Until they find those new homes, they go to foster families.
The humane society covers all the costs to help the animals, including any foster costs, food, supplies and medical care for the animals who have had a rough go of it before now. With no source of income besides donations, the society relies on community help. Even its staff are volunteers who are not paid.
“It is very challenging and as you said, we are a nonprofit, we don’t receive funds from any government agency,” said Sharon Angle, president of the Bannock Humane Society. “We receive donations and thank goodness for thee donations. And at Christmas, that seems to be when people know where they’re at for the end of the year and can donate and that helps.”
“This will help fund many different things for the animals and the community,” said Shelby Blomquist, a volunteer at the society who is organizing this year’s fundraiser. “One being helping with the foster medical needs. We take in abused, neglected, all sorts of kinds of animals that need medical attention. It helps them get back where they need to be and back on the right track.”
Another thing the society does with its funding is help offer low cost spay and neuter services to reduce the number of unwanted animals in need.
The fundraiser will include raffle items and a silent auction with great prizes up for grabs like homemade jewelry and pottery, pet supplies, gift baskets, free meals to local restaurants or even a weekend away at the Chateau in Park City.
Because the society relies so much on donations, the society says every dollar helps and this fundraiser has been successful in years past.
“So $10,000 is what we made last year and if we could make that again or exceed that, that’d be great,” Blomquist said. “But we’re grateful for anything.”
“Christmas for the Animals” is Saturday, Dec. 1.
It goes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the humane society, located at 850 Barton Road.
Besides the raffle and auction, there will also be baked goods, homemade crafts and the chance for family pictures with “Santa paws” from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
