Free to Be Me Animal Sanctuary is located just west of Moose Jaw and provides a safe, loving home for over 50 animals that have been abused, rescued, or surrendered to the shelter. The sanctuary operates on volunteer assistance and donations.
On Dec. 8, a $600 cheque was donated by students at Central Collegiate under the guidance of Ray Rawlyk, a teacher at the school.
“This is really important, because these guys don’t get any funding other than what we’re doing. Especially for something like Free to Be Me, they make minimal amounts for their chores. It’s nice to raise the awareness so maybe some other groups can help the donation process for them,” Rawlyk said.
To raise funds, Rawlyk has an unconventional approach. “I get on the school intercom, and I plead,” he said.
The method has proven successful over the past nine or so years, and Rawlyk said he usually raises around $2,000 each year. These funds come in as students bring small cash donations to his office, and tips raised by the school’s canteen are included in the total thanks to the help of Cori Hill at the school’s concession.
“The kids get to hear their name if they donate anything over the school intercom, and the kids get a kick out of that,” he said.
The first donation in this year’s campaign was Free to Be Me. Following this, SCRAPS and then Running Wild Rescue will receive donations after each respective campaign has taken place. If possible, Rawlyk said the Burrowing Owl Interpretive Centre could be next on the list.
“We try to raise money for all of the animal rescues that aren’t subsidized,” explained Rawlyk.
Louanne Shropshire, the owner of Free to Be Me, said she’s very happy to receive the support. “It means a lot. It means everything to us.”
She has to make sure she can provide for the animals currently residing in the shelter. “Oh, my goodness. It has been a rough couple of years,” Shropshire said. “We’re going to put (the proceeds) towards hay we’re buying for the animals. The bails are so expensive now. Every year it seems the bails are going up and up (in cost).”
Rawlyk said he’s impressed by the work done at the sanctuary. “I have no idea how they do what they do. I’m in utter awe,” he said. “It’s like their whole life is utterly devoted to these animals that haven’t been cared for and they just take them in. I mean, two ostriches in Saskatchewan – come on.
“If I won the lottery, they would be in my top five list to pay,” he said.
“A lot of this isn’t so much the money… but what we’re trying to do is raise an awareness in the young people… so they’re aware that these places exist and that they’re all run by volunteers. They have no other means of supporting what they do, except for donations,” Rawlyk explained.
“I’ve done this for about 10 years now, so hopefully the word has gotten around Moose Jaw as (these students) get older. That’s a priority and a mission for me.
“(Students learn to) become a part of the fabric of the community in a good way,” Rawlyk said.
Free to Be Me Animal Sanctuary can be reached at 306-684-2231.
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