What could you do with an extra $10,000? The Moose Jaw Humane Society (MJHS) can make your dream a reality through its annual 4 Paws Lottery, all while you help support local animals in need. So, in a way, there is no losing in this version of the lottery.
Tickets cost $20 each and are on sale from now until July 10 at 12 p.m. There is also a discounted rate by selecting 3 tickets for $50 or 5 tickets for $75.
Prior to the jackpot draw, 4 smaller draws will be made on July 10, 11, 12, and 13. A daily draw will take place at 1 p.m. announcing the winner of each smaller $500 pot. Each winner of a $500 pot is still eligible to have their name included for the $10,000 jackpot.
“This year the grand prize is $10,000 and that will be on July 14. On the week of July 10 through 13 it’s for $500. If your name happens to be chosen for the $500, then your name goes back in for the $10,000,” said Donna Fritzke, fundraising coordinator for the MJHS.
The $10,000 jackpot will be drawn on July 14 at 1 p.m. and the results will be announced on Facebook.
The 4 Paws Lottery is an annual event that raises much needed funding to support the shelter, which is a charitable organization.
“It’s an amazing fundraiser. It’s one of our biggest fundraisers and we’re out selling tickets all over the place so if we can get them sold that would be great,” said Fritzke.
Thanks to the support of local businesses, the MJHS was able to source funding for the lottery while keeping proceeds at the shelter. That means every dollar you contribute will go directly to the shelter to help animals in need of care.
“Our local community has sponsored the $12,000 (which includes the jackpot and 4 smaller pots). All of the cash prizes have been sponsored by these local businesses, so every dollar that we raise through the lottery stays here at the shelter. We’re pretty excited about that, and we’re very thankful for all the businesses that helped us out.”
Currently the MJHS has over 70 animals in its care, and this does not come without costs.
“Every pet that comes through our doors… is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and de-wormed. If there is any emergency medical treatment needed, we look after that as well. So of course, all of that costs money. The money that’s raised goes towards the care of the pets.”
Fritzke said the largest current expense is the cost to spay and neuter animals to keep feral populations in check. Costs for the procedure vary based on several factors, but typically range from $150 to $500 per animal.
And of course, whether you decide to participate in the lottery or not, donations are always welcome at the shelter. Requested items for donation include Pet Valu gift cards, dog and cat food or treats, plastic kennels, and cat litter.
You can also view their Amazon Wishlist for donation ideas.
The MJHS is open Monday to Friday from 10 - 5, and Saturdays from 10 - 4. They are located at 1755 Stadacona St. W. and can be reached at 306-692-1517.
Ticket purchases can be made via e-transfer at giving@mjhs.ca.
Act fast — there are only 2000 tickets available to be sold.
