Tally for 2008 'Super Pet' calendar proceeds hits $8,800; four-year total surges to $28,000
Mar 04, 2008 - 11:28 AM
By Chris Hall
SCUGOG -- A couple grand short of cracking the $30,000 mark through her endeavour to support the local animal shelter, Kathy Dudley acknowledges the fact that she can't stop now.
Over the past four years, the confessed animal lover has spearheaded an effort to raise much-needed funds for the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter which, through the sales of the 2008 'Super Pet' calendar, resulted in another $8,800 added to the Reach Street facility's coffers.
In total, since the introduction of her effort in 2005, about $28,000 has been raised for the shelter.
"I have to keep doing it. I can't quit now," said Port Perry's Ms. Dudley last Friday morning when she handed the 2008 cheque over to shelter staff.
Since its inception, the fundraiser has been an unparalleled success across the north Durham community. The idea is simple, and it works.
Each year, the public is invited to submit photos of their favourite pets for inclusion in the calendar at a cost of $10 each. Those funds, along with the proceeds from some advertising revenues, are used to cover the costs of printing the calendars, which are then sold at a price of $10.
Proceeds from the calendar sales are then turned over to the Uxbridge-Scugog Animal Shelter, which tucks the funds away in a special account to keep its charges in good health.
"Everything goes to neutering, spaying and vaccinating the animals. And, if there's something wrong, then we have the money to take them to the vet and get them checked out," says the shelter's Vicky McWhirter.
"It's amazing, it's absolutely incredible," she says of Ms. Dudley's efforts.
The veterinarian care is courtesy of Dr. Nancy Silverberg of the Port Perry Animal Hospital. The combination of Ms. Dudley's funds and Dr. Silverberg's rates allow the shelter to keep its adoption fees affordable, says Ms. McWhirter.
A key factor in the success of the 2008 edition of the calendar was the number of entries, which topped the 350 mark, says Ms. Dudley.
"The entries were up, every year they're up and that just raises more money for the shelter. It would be nice next year to even top that," she says. "This is just a great success because of the support of the businesses in the community and the pet lovers."
For those who have yet to pick up their copy of the 2008 day planner, the calendars are still on sale at Paulmac's in Port Perry and the animal shelter at a reduced price of $5. Fewer than 100 of the 1,050 copies remain.
As for next year, Ms. Dudley is already looking forward to the 2009 edition. Entry forms will be available later this spring with a deadline for photo submissions by the end of August.
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