MOOSE JAW — Modern Mattress specializes in providing the best sleep possible, but the local retailer turned up the heat to host a “paws-itively” heartwarming chili fundraiser bringing the community together for a good cause on Saturday.
The store hosted a few furry friends, a chili fundraiser, and raffle draws in support of Running Wild Rescue on March 1.
“This (idea) just kind of popped into my head,” said Dylan Lawrence, who described himself as the “kick (butt) store manager” at Modern Mattress Moose Jaw. “I got my dog and my cat from Running Wild Rescue… I know (Jasmin Wenarchuk), and the folks there are always looking for help with vet bills, adoptions, and fosters, so I figured, why not have them here?”
With ample space in the warehouse, staff created an inviting venue, complete with homemade chili featuring ingredients from Safeway to fundraise for the rescue.
“My dad and I made (the chili), and it’s here for donation,” Lawrence said. “It’s just something we really enjoy making. We think we’re pretty good at it, and everybody likes chili on a cool spring weekend.”
Lawrence is no stranger to the work done by Running Wild Rescue and has helped foster a few dogs and cats as part of the organization’s network of foster homes. Despite a successful experience, he described himself as “a foster failure.”
“It’s called ‘foster failing’ when you’re fostering a dog or cat, and you decide to keep that animal,” he said with a smile. “So I was fostering a few animals and I kept my cat, Ruby… and (she’s) amazing.”
It was through this connection that Lawrence decided to reach out.
“All the rescuers are doing a really great job, and they need all the help they can get,” he added. “Whether it’s a monetary donation to help with vet bills, or if you’re able to foster or are looking for a new family member to bring into your home, rescuing is a really great way to help.
“People love animals and should have a better sleep too, so I figured, ‘Let’s tie those in together,’” he said in a nod to the work done by the local retailer dedicated to providing customers with a good night’s sleep.
The unexpected support was well received by the team at Running Wild, and Faith Morrison, the rescue’s administrator, said the fundraiser went very well.
“We rely on fosters and our community for support… If you have any questions, you can definitely reach out… on Facebook,” she added.
Modern Mattress, founded in Yorkton, Sask., is dedicated to offering the latest in quality sleep products and exceptional customer service, according to the company.
“Modern Mattress… is your one-stop local shop for a better sleep,” Lawrence explained. “We work on finding you the best sleep solution through local companies and Canadian-made products. Everything you buy… supports local, Canadian jobs.
“By all measures, the event was a great success, and I’m extremely happy,” he concluded. “And being from Moose Jaw for the last three quarters of my life, community involvement is huge to me; I just can’t wait to get Modern Mattress Moose Jaw more involved (in the community).”
For more information on adopting, fostering, or supporting Running Wild Rescue, call 306-313-1558, visit ‘Running Wild Rescue’ on Facebook, or email [email protected]. Watch for an upcoming announcement featuring a permanent jewelry collection by Seven Stones.
Modern Mattress is located at 27B McKenzie Lane and can be reached at 306-693-8881.
