(Central Alberta Humane Society)

By Ian Gustafson

For the animals

Central Alberta Humane Society now accepting donations ahead of Ultimate Garage Sale

Jul 4, 2025 | 2:58 PM

The Central Alberta Humane Society’s biggest fundraiser of the year is officially underway.

The Ultimate Garage Sale kicks off today from July 4-19 by gathering community donations ahead of the garage sale. They’re accepting donations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day at the fieldhouse at St. Joseph High School.

The garage sale itself will begin on Thursday, July 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a VIP night, which will cost $25 per ticket. This allows people a chance to take a look at what’s for sale ahead of everyone else.

The Ultimate Garage Sale continues the next day and opens to the public from July 25 to 27. On July 25, they’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on July 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kelly Richard, fund development coordinator for the Central Alberta Humane Society, said this is an event they count on every year.

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“It’s our main source of income. Typically we net anywhere between $40,000 and $80,000 depending on the year,” she said.

The Humane Society has an operational budget of $1.7 million so the funds raised will go towards taking care of the animals, which includes multiple expenses such as food and vet costs.

They also pay for animal care such as getting them spayed and neutered, and feed them with over 200 meals per day.

“We always have over 100 animals in shelter between cats, dogs, rabbits, and hamsters. We take all of the domestic pets that aren’t wanted,” she said. “We still have the Dickson Dam cats. We’re still nursing them back to an adoptable state, which is taking longer because of the condition they were in.”

There will be over 180 tables at the garage sale full of treasures brought in by local residents for sale.

The Humane Society asks that the public refrains from donating items such as clothing, large appliances, electronics, furniture, old exercise equipment, car/ booster seats, bed frames/mattresses/ box frames, garden items, fish tanks, and used vehicle parts or tires.

They ask that all donated items are clean and in working condition.

“If you’ve got something that’s gently used that you would consider giving to a friend that’s in reasonably good condition we absolutely will take it,” she said adding they also take antiques.

The Humane Society is currently looking for volunteers. For those interested in helping out, reach out to Amber their volunteer coordinator through email at volunteer@cahumane.com.

“We’re not government funded, that’s a huge misconception… If you can’t adopt, we’d love for your help, even in shelter if people would like to volunteer. People can also just drop in to the garage sale and we will put you to work. We are thankful for every single hour anyone is able to help us with.”