The Okanagan Humane Society (OHS) has surpassed the halfway point of its $75,000 Raffle to Rescue Animals campaign and is calling on the community to help close the gap and save lives.
Demand for OHS services has surged, growing from 1,500 animals in 2022 to more than 5,200 last year.
Through its rescue and pet assistance programs, OHS provides critical care to lost, abandoned, and vulnerable animals while supporting families who cannot afford essential veterinary treatment.
“This fundraiser is vital to our ability to say ‘yes’ to animals in need,” said Operations Manager Romany Runnalls. “With demand rising every year, every dollar raised directly impacts how many lives we can save.”
One of those lives is Wylie, a stray cat who spent months surviving outdoors, evading rescue despite repeated efforts. Last fall, seven of her six-week-old kittens were found in the cold and brought into care. While most survived and eventually found homes, one kitten tragically passed away due to a heart defect, and another required intensive medical support.
Throughout the winter, Wylie remained outside. Rescuers refused to give up, returning daily to provide food, shelter, and another chance at safety. In late January, she was finally captured just in time. Wylie was pregnant again.
Placed into a warm foster home, she gave birth safely indoors. For the first time, she could care for her kittens without fear, hunger, or exposure to the elements. But her journey wasn’t over. Soon after, Wylie became critically ill and required emergency treatment at Spall and Harvey Animal Hospital. While she fought to recover, her newborn kittens were cared for around the clock by dedicated foster volunteers.
Thanks to urgent veterinary care and unwavering support, Wylie pulled through and was reunited with her babies safe, healthy, and finally out of harm’s way.
“Stories like Wylie’s happen every day, 365 days a year,” Runnalls added. “With an average care cost of $350 per animal, we must raise over $1.8 million annually to meet the need.”
Now, the public’s support is more critical than ever.
Every raffle ticket purchased helps save a life and gives supporters the chance to win cash prizes. To accelerate impact, matching donors will double the first $15,000 in online donations.
You can get your raffle tickets or make a donation online today.
