By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

20,000 square feet

Annual Humane Society garage sale goes this weekend

May 31, 2022 | 2:37 PM

The Central Alberta Humane Society is hosting its annual garage sale fundraiser this weekend, this time breaking from tradition with the event’s location.

The event this year will be held at the former — and currently empty — Co-op grocery store (5102-47 Avenue) in downtown Red Deer. It’s usually held at the Pidherney Centre.

All money raised goes directly back to the shelter and the many animals the Humane Society has in its care.

“This year, we have helped around 200 central Alberta animals. This is about 20 per cent less than 2021 for both intakes and adoptions. The pandemic has affected our adoption numbers, more so since mandates have been lifted,” explains Eve Sira, executive director.

“During COVID, adoptions were slow and steady, but now adoptions are just very slow. When this happens, it affects our intake numbers as well because as animals get adopted out, it provides space for new intakes. We have a managed intake system which means we are never empty and we never overflow. Maintaining our numbers and managing the best quality of care for each animal we help is our top priority.”

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Sira notes the society is not government-funded, thus these fundraisers are integral to the sustainability of the shelter and its ability to care for stray, abandoned and injured animals.

The garage sale typically raises $50,000 to $60,000, even reaching $70,000 in 2019.

In addition to the wares available at the garage sale, Sira invites one and all to visit the shelter and education centre (4505-77 Street) to meet the amazing animals they’ve taken in.

The event runs at the following times:

June 2: 5 p.m.-7 p.m. * VIP DAY
June 3: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
June 4: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
June 5: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

VIP tickets for early access are available, as are tickets for the Wags to Riches 50/50 fundraiser. More info here.