There are only a few days left to donate to Western Wheel Cares.
The 12th annual campaign, which accepts donations from the community and distributes them evenly to seven local charities, runs until Dec. 31.
The campaign has received tremendous support again this year as it looks to build on a record-breaking 2022.
Gayle Wolf, office manager at the Western Wheel and co-ordinator of Western Wheel Cares, said donations were slow during November, and she was a little worried as many news reports indicated that donations were down overall in Canada due to the economy, but things picked up as Christmas approached.
“A rush of donations in December, once again, proved that we belong to an amazing community willing to support each other,” Wolf said.
She said she was very saddened by the loss of Pound Rescue’s founding leader, Gabriele Barrie, earlier this month.
“In past years, Gabi would graciously accept the Pound Rescue donation cheque with tears in her eyes brought on from the overwhelming appreciation she felt to be part of Western Wheel Cares,” Wolf said. “It’s moments like that, that show the true meaning of giving.”
The 2023 Western Wheel Cares campaign benefits seven organizations: Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society, Foothills Country Hospice, Inclusion Foothills, Okotoks Food Bank, Pound Rescue, Rowan House Society and Sheep River Health Trust.
The Western Wheel featured all seven charities throughout November and December. View the articles at westernwheel.ca/western-wheel-cares.
In its 11th year in 2022, Western Wheel Cares raised a record $82,670, topping the previous all-time high of $72,107 set in 2021.
The campaign has raised $569,059 for local charities since its inception.
One hundred per cent of donations are passed through to the charities.
Donations will be accepted until Dec. 31. To donate to Western Wheel Cares, use the PayPal link at westernwheel.ca/western-wheel-cares, drop by the Wheel office at 9 McRae St. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch) weekdays or call 587-325-6234.
Official tax receipts will be mailed out in January from one of the participating charities.
