Okotoks and Foothills residents sure know how to give.
In its 10th year, the Western Wheel Cares campaign raised a record $72,107 – topping the previous all-time high of $71,379.65 raised in 2020.
"We're honoured to be able to do this," said Western Wheel publisher Shaun Jessome.
With the addition of the funds from 2021, the campaign — which ran from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 — has raised $486,389 for local charities over the past decade.
The 2021 Western Wheel Cares campaign benefited 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.
"This being our 10th year of Western Wheel Cares fundraising, we had another amazing show of support for our seven local charities during the 2021 campaign," said campaign co-ordinator Gayle Wolf.
"More than ever this year, I received so many comments from donors saying they appreciate how we set-up this annual fundraiser to cover the needs of so many in our community, making it easy for them to donate."
Jessome said that support for the campaign has always been consistent, but donations have skyrocketed in recent years. In 2019, donations totalled $45,424 followed by $71,379.65 in 2020 and $72,107 in 2021.
He said there has been a significant increase in the number of donors year after year, highlighting one's ability to make a singular donation that benefits seven groups.
Throughout the campaign, The Wheel, talked to individuals from each of the organizations to hear what the plans looked like for their share of donations.
Foothills Advocacy in Motion (FAIM) had said previously that funds received from the campaign would go toward continuing their entrepreneurial program, which gives clients the opportunity to pitch business ideas.
Sheep River Health Trust is planning to contribute their portion of donations toward purchasing a general-use aspirator for the Okotoks Urgent Care Centre.
Funds given to Pound Rescue will help them to continue taking care of sick, hurt and orphaned animals, including expensive veterinary bills.
Foothills Country Hospice will put this year's dollars toward installing a much-needed new roof.
Group programs at Inclusion Foothills will be supported through Wheel Cares donations this year.
The Okotoks Food Bank is eyeing up improvements to the warehouse and upgrading their forklift with their portion.
And, last but not least, Rowan House Emergency Shelter will continue to do what they do best – providing necessary crisis intervention and outreach, education and awareness on domestic violence, thanks to the generosity of Wheel Cares donors.
"With this year’s total of over $72,000, we are just shy of the half million-dollar mark for the 10 years and have almost tripled the amount of donation dollars we received in our inaugural year of 2012 when then publisher, Paul Rockley had the dream of creating this legacy for our community," Wolf said.
Jessome said the community has always been generous and it is incredible to see nearly $500,000 raised for local organizations over the past 10 years.
"It just proves how great this community is," he said.
