CARSTAIRS - Organizers of a new fundraiser are hoping to bring some money towards not only one great organization but one lucky winner.
Pawsitive Haven, an animal rescue organization in Carstairs, is having a 50/50 contest but with a bit of a catch.
Volunteer Cassidy Bosiak said the group is having a 50/50 draw but half the money will go to whoever pens the best letter about why they need the money. The other half will go towards veterinary bills and other costs for Pawsitive Haven Animal Rescue.
"We are small and privately owned," said Bosiak. "We are privately owned and working towards charitable status but have not yet been able to achieve that. This makes receiving donations more of a struggle as we are unable to issue tax receipts."
Bosiak said the small group of dedicated volunteers has been working hard to fundraise through bottle drives, bartending events, comedy nights, show 'n shine car shows and more.
"Our focus is on dogs and to date we have rescued over 180 dogs and over 50 cats!" she said. "Rescuing these animals comes at a huge financial cost, including facilities, employees, food, vet bills, and other costs.
"Almost 100 per cent of these costs are paid for thanks to fundraising and donations. We have been working to find a new and exciting way to fundraise."
The group came up with the idea of having a large-scale 50/50 draw.
"We would like people to send in a letter about how winning half of this money will help them and what they would do with the money, along with the $20," she said. "A group of impartial judges will pick one letter to win half of the money with the other half going to Pawsitive Haven. If this 50/50 is successful, we'll be able to help so many animals."
Ashley Reid, co-owner and founder of Pawsitive Haven, said they are looking forward to hearing about people's stories.
"We want to give back to people who truly need it," said Reid. "It's so important to see the passion and handwriting."
The 50/50 contest will run until Pawsitive Haven's first anniversary on March 15, 2020.
All entries must be mailed to Pawsitive Haven Animal Rescue, PO Box 880, Carstairs, AB, T0M 0N0
