The Stray Cat Rescue and Protection Society (SCRAPS) is a volunteer-led, non-profit organization founded in 2011 to address stray cats and kittens in the community. This spring, SCRAPS Moose Jaw is asking for your support through a rib night fundraiser at The Crushed Can.
The upcoming fundraiser will take place May 4th, runs from 4:30 – 8 p.m., and includes a half-rack of ribs, salad, and an accompaniment.
“The (upcoming meal) is just another (one of our unique) ways to raise funds, because we’re always needing ongoing support financially to be able to do our spays and neuters…,” explained SCRAPS volunteer Anne Marciszyn.
Most of the proceeds support medical expenses such as treatments and vaccines, and funds help support the TNR (trap, release, and neuter) program.
When cats are reported or otherwise located, volunteers take the cat into their care and start with a veterinary check-up. Strays are then spayed or neutered to help control the feral population, given updated vaccines, and micro-chipped to keep tabs on their whereabouts.
After this process has been completed, cats with a clean bill of health are released and monitored on a continual basis. Several feeding stations are supported by SCRAPS around town, and during the winter months these cats are given a warm shelter to get out of the cold.
If a kitten is rescued, SCRAPS aims to give them a new lease on life by putting them up for adoption, rather than leaving them on the streets and alleyways as an unloved cat. The organization currently monitors 140 cats and has numerous kittens in its foster care program.
The upcoming meal-based fundraiser isn’t the first of its kind hosted by SCRAPS Moose Jaw, but Marciszyn pointed out that it’ll be the first such event following the pandemic years.
The night will include several complimentary fundraising programs including a silent auction, special draws, 50/50, and Central Collegiate’s own Ray Rawlyk has volunteered to sing on a request-by-donation basis to help the program he’s been a long-time supporter of.
Marciszyn suggested that this could be the perfect opportunity “if you have a special song that you want to (dedicate) to somebody.”
The organization is run by “hard-working, passionate, and compassionate” volunteers, and the upcoming fundraiser is an ideal way to wrap up Volunteer Appreciation Week, she noted.
“We really appreciate our volunteers and really encourage people to come join our mission.”
Currently, SCRAPS Moose Jaw has numerous kittens up for adoption and residents can learn more through the organization’s storefront, the “9 Lives Boutique” at the Town ‘N’ Country Mall.
“(By) adopting from SCRAPS, you’re not only adopting and giving a wonderful new life for one or two animals, but you’re also indirectly helping to save so many more that are not reproducing and having more kittens who are not wanted.
“As a nurse, I just noticed how so many people come to help animals, and in turn, these animals make such a big difference in their lives,” she said. “It helps us when we help others.”
To purchase tickets for the upcoming fundraiser, stop by 9 Lives Boutique or any of the following partners: Pet Valu at 1251 Main Street North, DDK Pets N Points at 374 High Street West, or 4 Plants Indoor Gardening Supply located at 123 High Street West.
Tickets are going for $25 apiece and will also be available for purchase at the door.
The Crushed Can is located at 82 Manitoba Street West, and for more information or to inquire about pet adoptions, SCRAPS Moose Jaw can be reached at 306-684-9048. You can follow SCRAPS on Facebook at 'Scraps - MJ.'
