The annual calendar fundraiser for SCRAPS Moose Jaw is taking a new twist on its usual feline appreciation, instead featuring local frontline workers alongside their SCRAPS rescue or foster cats.
“We wanted to bring awareness to all of the people who are providing essential services on the frontlines during the pandemic [because] so many people on those front lines have had to step forward and they did it with dedication, grace and determination,” said coordinator Ann Marciszyn. “It's a thank you to all the workers during the pandemic who’ve looked after our health and wellbeing and economy. They’re the heroes in our view.”
The theme this year is “Rescue Me,” said Marciszyn, which serves as a tribute to both the rescued stray cats SCRAPS has helped and the individuals who have served the community in other ways.
“Our calendar cover highlights some of our rescued kittens in the hands of their rescuers, and the months show people who provided frontline care and were also part of our organization in some way, either by being a foster or adopting a SCRAPS cat,” said Marciszyn.
Every month in the new 2021 SCRAPS calendars highlights a different essential service, including health care, restaurants, grocery services, members from 15 Wing Moose Jaw, religious leaders, emergency services and more.
The month of January will feature team members from the Moose Jaw Animal Clinic and Bellamy Animal Hospital, to kick off the year. The back shows off some of the adoptable cats currently in SCRAPS’ care.
“It's about how the rescue comes full circle,” said Marciszyn. “The animals need our help, and I think the animals have given us support as well. So many [people] are stuck in their horses, and cats have helped us by giving entertainment and companionship.”
SCRAPS will also be sharing each month’s calendar spread on their Facebook page, to share the project’s message more widely.
The calendars are available for $20 each, with all of the funds going to the organization’s work in taking care of the city’s stray cat population and it's trap and neuter program.
They can be purchased at several businesses around Moose Jaw, including both local animal hospitals, various pet supply stores, and other local businesses. They can also be found at the SCRAPS retail boutique in the Town n’ Country Mall, renamed the Santa Claws Boutique for the holiday season.
The boutique has just expanded its operating hours to be open Sundays, in addition to the usual Thursday, Friday and Saturday hours, and still stocks plenty of cat-related items for purchase in support of SCRAPS.
In addition to the calendar fundraiser, SCRAPS has a few other ways for residents to lend a helping hand.
A silent auction fundraiser is also currently available at the Santa Claws Boutique, with bidding open until Dec. 23 on donated items like a collectible walking doll from the '60s, framed prints from local artists and more.
SCRAPS volunteers will also be set up in the mall on Dec. 24 offering gift-wrapping services by donation from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents can also donate their recycling to SCRAPS, either by bringing their recyclables to the organization or through the Sarcan Drop n’ Go service by using the SCRAPS account.
“We’re really thankful to the community for continuing to support us,” said Marciszyn. “We have a lot of people who work hard and give us a lot of support financially and through fostering and adopting our cats.”
