A day on the greens will help keep two local animal shelters out of the red.
The Ontario SPCA Orillia and Midland Animal Centres are teaming up for the All “Fore” the Animals Golf Tournament, happening June 21 at Bonaire Golf and Country Club in Coldwater.
This is the second year the two centres have joined forces for the fundraiser.
“We gave it a try last year and it was really successful, so we’re doing it again,” said Carol Beard, manager of the Orillia centre.
Last year’s tournament brought in about $12,000 — much-needed money for the agency.
“The money predominantly goes toward veterinary care. It’s our biggest cost,” Beard said, noting vet bills cost more than $100,000 per year.
While that figure hasn’t changed much in recent years, the level of care needed for animals has.
“The biggest difference we’ve noticed in the last few years is the care side of it,” Beard said.
For example, three dogs that were at the shelter last year needed surgery to help them breathe properly, and that came with a $10,000 bill.
A Rottweiler currently in the care of the Orillia Animal Centre is going for surgery Thursday to have a tumour removed.
“It just seems to be all the time,” Beard said. “It’s so important and it’s so vital that we have people support us so we can continue to do the work that we do.”
The golf tournament next month is one way to help.
The cost is $125 per person. It includes a power cart, 18 holes of golf, dinner and a prize.
Those who register before June 5 will have a chance to win a $100 LCBO gift card.
The tournament will open with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.
Organizers are still looking for hole sponsors. To sponsor a hole, or to register for the tournament, contact the Orillia Animal Centre at 705-325-1305 or [email protected], or the Midland Animal Centre at 705-534-4459 or [email protected].
