A central Alberta animal rescue organization is hosting an online telethon to support the wellbeing of its animals.
Saving Grace Animal Society is hosting its second annual telethon March 26 to raise money so the society can proceed with plans to construct a new veterinarian clinic this year at its facility in Alix.
“We have been very fortunate with our clinic fundraising efforts so far, and we are so close to hitting our goal that it’s getting very hard to contain our excitement,” said Saving Grace co-executive director McClughan, who will co-host the Facebook Live broadcast of this year’s telethon from Blindman Brewing in Lacombe.
“The Betty White Challenge earlier this year in memory of prolific animal lover and all around celebrity sweetheart Betty White provided an unexpected but very welcome boost to our fundraising goals.”
More than $100,000 was raised from that campaign, helping to push the society’s fundraising total even closer to their $500,000 goal.
“Although the finish line is in sight, we still have a way to go,” she said, adding this year’s telethon fundraising goal is $75,000.
A new vet clinic would allow the animal rescue and rehabilitation team to save time and resources to better serve the animals in their care.
“Last year our medical bills averaged $65,000 per month and we have projected savings of 50-60 per cent by having our own veterinary clinic on site and ready to serve the animals we take in,” said McClughan.
The organization has experienced tremendous strain in keeping up with rescues, animal overflow and higher-than-normal medical trauma cases in recent months, McClughan added.
“A vet clinic is the next step in improving our ability to follow our vision: to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home any animal in need. Rescue them all, big or small.”
Saving Grace is putting out a call for families, individuals and businesses to register as “Dream Team,” with up to five members.
“Leading up to the telethon, our dream teams will be encouraged to reach out to their friends, neighbours and networks to help raise funds for Saving Grace and have an opportunity at prizes too,” said McClughan.
“Teams can raise the fund however they wish to and the top teams will be awarded prizes by the society including branded swag and private time with the animals.”
For more information, visit www.savinggracecanada.com/store/dreamteam.
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