Cause for the Paws gala proceeds could help 1,000 animals in need

By Wendy Gabrek

Cause for the Paws, a fundraiser and silent auction to benefit the Alliston & District Humane Society (ADHS) is being held at the Gibson Centre, at 63 Tupper Street West in Alliston, on Saturday May 7.

Cocktails start at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased at Brisco's Furniture in Alliston, Pet Grocer Alliston, in person at the ADHS Shelter and online www.allistonhumane.com

This is the first Cause for the Paws Gala the ADHS has hosted, although the event was originally set to take place in 2020 and cancelled two years in a row due to COVID–19 restrictions.

“The Gala we are hoping for will be our biggest fundraiser of the year for the ADHS,” Sherri Wilson, ADHS volunteer told The Times. “It's very important to us as ADHS is strictly a volunteer run organization and solely depends on donations from the community and our fundraising events to keep the doors open and continue to help animals in need.”

The ADHS provides shelter for stray and unwanted animals with priority given to abused and neglected animals. 

“We strive for a one hundred per cent adoption rate, and have a ‘No Kill' policy in effect,” said Wilson. “Currently, we are taking in over 1,000 animals a year and the number keeps climbing.”

The ADHS hopes to raise $15,000 from the Cause for the Paws event, with all proceeds to the animals in care, especially veterinary costs – the shelter's largest annual expense. 

Food and general care of the animals, and the basic needs of the shelter and managing it to keep the doors open are other ongoing costs mentioned by Wilson.

During the gala, Wilson says event-goers can expect a fun-filled evening with a catered dinner and live entertainment by the SideWinders, in addition to a silent auction.  

“Our emcee for the evening will be Nick Birnie from the morning show at FM 92 South Simcoe Radio station,” said Wilson. “We will have a 50/50 draw and raffles throughout the evening too.”

Wilson told The Times that silent auction items are already coming in, and include an introductory flight lesson, parachuting, golfing package, and Niagara on the Lake wine tour for ten people.

“We also have a camping experience and a Napoleon barbecue – with more great items that people will enjoy,” said Wilson.

Although tax receipts for the ticket price won't be issued, Wilson says anyone who wants to make a donation to the shelter is eligible for a receipt.

In addition to money, the ADHS has other immediate needs:

Dogs: Puppy Performatrin wet and dry food, puppy pee pads, Adult Performatrin Dog Food – chicken and beef flavoured, wet and dry food, all sizes of Martingale collars

Cats: non-clumping cat litter, wet cat food, small cat beds, wand string toys, Royal Canin Mother and Kitten Food, Science Diet kitten food, Science Diet Adult cat food, baby chicken broth food, KMR Mile Replacement and Nutri-Cal Vitamin Paste

Small Animals: Oxbow Essential Adult Rabbit Food, Oxbow Young Adult Rabbit Food, Rabbit safe toys, softwood shavings, Oxbow Treats for Rabbits

Shelter: hand sanitizer, liquid laundry detergent, paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags, liquid dishwashing soap, plastic grocery bags, vinegar, Canadian Tire Money, gift cards for grocery stores or pet supply stores

The ADHS is located at 5545 Concession Road 4 in Everett, and serves the Town of New Tecumseth (Alliston, Beeton, Tottenham), Mulmur Township (Mansfield) and Adjala–Tosorontio Township (Everett, Lisle, Glencairn, Loretto), as well as the villages of Cookstown, Rosemont, Hockley, and the Town of Schomberg.

They have been saving animals for 33 years.

Due to COVID–19 the ADHS has not been hosting Saturday Adoption open houses, however the large amount of dogs, cats and small animals in care may see this change sometime in April.

Volunteers are currently planning other events for the ADHS, including: the Woof Walk, which takes place at Earl Rowe Provincial Park in June; Family & Pet photos in the fall; and Pet Photos with Santa at the end of November.

They also plan to host a mid-summer online auction.

For more information about the ADHS call 705 458-9038 or visit www.allistonhumane.com. For more information about Cause for the Paws call 647 882-2908 or email causeforthepaws@outlook.com.