The peak of kitten season is almost upon us.
That's why the Edmonton Humane Society is bringing back a popular campaign called Wish Upon a Whisker Wednesday.
"We need to be as proactive as ever before this year," explained spokesperson Shawna Randolph. "Already we do not have any room on our adoption floor to move up wonderful adoptable adult felines waiting in another part of the building for their turn, and the peak of kitten season hasn't even hit yet."
The shelter currently has almost 300 felines in its care and that figure keeps rising. Caregivers at the charity have determined there is already about a 25 per cent increase in their numbers since this time last year, many of which are adult cats. The society hopes to find them homes before kitten season peaks in the next few weeks, otherwise they might be overlooked and wait for months.
That's part of the reason why it's hosting a special St. Patrick's Day event today along with the launch of a new sponsorship program.
Between 50 and 60 'Lucky Shamrock' animals are featured. Between 2 and 7 p.m., anyone who adopts an adult cat that has been housed for 30 days or more (or one that is waiting for adoption in any of the shelter's cat condos) will not have to pay an adoption fee.
People can also sponsor a cat for $130. The person's name will also appear on the society's website for a week and receive a tax-deductible receipt.
For more information call 780-491-3507 or visit www.edmontonhumanesociety.com.
Bike-a-thon hits a high note
To get so many students fighting for a worthy cause, well, that's something that keeps Sue Leighton going from year to year.
"I think it was fantastic!" the Bellerose bike-a-thon organizer said. "It was really an emotional and celebratory closing. The kids felt like they really achieved something and worked hard."
The eighth annual event has raised about $129,000 in donations after about 600 students participated in the 48-hour bike-a-thon, with today being the last day for pledges. A cheque presentation was made at last Friday's closing ceremony to Val Figliuzzi, the executive director of Kids with Cancer Society, and Dr. John Mercer, faculty member of the Cross Cancer Institute.
Art auction a hit
Frances Gagnon, director of arts at the Art Gallery of St. Albert, was thrilled with the turnout at the 22nd annual art auction on March 5. It hosted a record crowd in new surroundings at the Enjoy Centre in Riel Business Park.
The bottom line turned out pretty well, too.
"From the fundraising side, we surpassed our goal at $42,000," Gagnon said.
"We had more art and more people … 375 tickets sold! I think it was a really good size."
