“We really appreciate the support,” said David Gubbe, president of the Battlefords Humane Society, during their annual Tails for Hope Gala.
“This is an opportunity for us to both increase our profile in the community as well as to secure important funding for our programs.”
David Gubbe during the Humane Society’s gala. (Image Credit: Alyssa Rudolph/ battlefordsNOW)
Community members entered the gala on Thursday night dressed in their fanciest attire armed with the passion to help animals in need. Throughout the evening, they were able to meet some adoptable dogs and bid on silent auction items with proceeds going directly to the animal shelter.
“This fundraiser, along with our golf tournament in July, are two very important components of the fundraising portion that we have to basically make up approximately 30 per cent of our operating budget, which is substantial,” said Gubbe.
He explained that the operating costs are dependent on fundraising, donations, and money they receive from the City to provide pound services.
“We don’t have a specific goal year to year. We hope to get more than ever, but historically this event has provided somewhere around $30,000 towards our operating expenses.”
During the gala, dogs walked the red carpet, all with very different personalities and back stories. This event helps to get long-term resident animals out into the public eye and allows their adoption fees to be covered by bidders.
Walking the runway. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW)
Walking the runway. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW)
Walking the runway. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW)
“Our success rate in adopting out dogs is very good. We’re technically what’s referred to as a non-kill shelter and the only animals that are ever euthanized are those with severe problems, either temperamental or physical. Our success rate, ultimately, with adopting out dogs is extremely high,” said Gubbe.
Last year’s gala also helped to provide funding for the Humane Society’s new shelter, which Gubbe notes as a huge upgrade.
“Anyone who was in our old facility knows that it was too small, it was old, it was decrepit, and it was in terrible condition,” he said.
“Already we’re seeing the benefits both from improved conditions for animal care, it’s vastly improved the conditions for our staff that are working, and it’s improved the experience for the public that come into our facility to adopt animals.”
With the completion of the new shelter, the Humane Society continues to welcome community support. Donations, sponsorships, and adoptions ensure the new facility can remain equipped and ready to serve.
“Just building a new facility is not the end of it,” said Gubbe. “We have to have an operating income on a steady basis year after year after year.”
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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com
