Jayda Monilaws after her annual cupcake fundraiser in Feb. 2020. (Supplied)

By Troy Gillard and Josh Hall

finding another way to help

No cupcake sale, no problem for young Red Deerian helping the Humane Society

Feb 5, 2021 | 1:57 PM

Jayda Monilaws is only 12 and she’s raised more than $25,000 since 2014 for the Central Alberta Humane Society.

Typically, the youngster holds a cupcake sale, which last year brought in the biggest haul yet at over $10,000.

Because of the pandemic, that mode of fundraising simply isn’t possible, so Monilaws is asking the community to come through for the humane society in a different way. For the month of February, she is encouraging donations of various items the humane society is in need of.

The list includes:

-Cat Litter (Clumping or Yesterday’s News)
-Wet Cat/Kitten Food
-Interactive/Tough Dog Toys
-Kong Toys (dog or cat)
-Slow Feeders for dogs
-Treats or supplies for rabbits/guinea pigs
-Ceramic food bowls
-Gift cards for Walmart (to purchase fresh produce for rabbits)
-Gift cards for Canadian Tire or Hardware store (to keep the shelter in tiptop shape)

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Monetary donations are also being accepted, and tax receipts are available for donations of $20 or more.

Those can be made via e-transfer using development@cahumane.com. You are encouraged to then email them separately to let them know it’s on behalf of Jayda’s campaign. All who make a donation will be entered into a draw for three dozen custom cupcakes made by Jayda at a later date.

“I didn’t really want to stop because I don’t want them to lose the fundraising we do each year,” Monilaws says. I think it’s nice to help the community out in anyway you can, plus I love animals and cupcakes.”

Jayda’s mom, Nicki, says every dollar counts, and doesn’t want to people think they can’t donate if they only have a little bit of pocket change.

“Jayda and her family have been an incredible support to the Central Alberta Humane Society every year,” says Matthew Redman, interim executive director at the Central Alberta Humane Society. “We look forward to working with her again whenever possible and hope to build on the success of her cupcake fundraiser.”

The humane society currently has 60 animals in shelter, and have adopted 62 animals out this year. That compares to 50 from Jan. 1-Feb. 4, 2020.

The society is also promoting its own Bake a Little Love campaign during February in line with Jayda’s fundraiser. More details here.