The Calgary Humane Society partnered with Loose Moose improvisation theatre last month to raise money as part of their new fundraising project.

This was the first time the Humane Society had put on a performance-based fundraiser, and was March’s edition of the Paws Port project, in which all proceeds go towards helping shelter the approximately 9,000 animals taken to the Humane Society each year.

Yvonne Shoults came up with the idea of the Paws Port fundraising project, in which all proceeds go to helping find shelter for Humane Society animals. The project has raised about $6,000 so far.

Photo: Jessica Melnychuk/Calgary Journal

Paws Port first began in January after Yvonne Shoults, special projects coordinator for the Humane Society, came up with the idea to raise money by hosting fun activities. Since then, Calgarians have supported the society at events like belly dancing and line dancing lessons, and the Valentine’s Day Spa Day for animals, and have raised about $6,000.

Shoults said she wanted to get the humane society out into the community and organize fun activities that people would be interested in,

“We tried to do something different and fun,” she said, “and everyone in the community has been really good with supporting us.”

Each month, usually near the beginning of the month, a new event is hosted at various areas around the city as part of the Paws Port project.

The Loose Moose event brought out a good crowd, excited to take in a night full of laughter and randomness.

Bobbi Ott attended the event, and had been to one Humane Society fundraiser before. She plans to go again, and said the best part about the night was having a good time with friends and family. “The improv was good, too,” she added.

“We’ve done fundraising events in the past,” said Cahill, “but nothing like this.”

People who regularly attend Paws Port events are given cards that are stamped each time they attend an event. If the attendee has at least six stamps by the end of the year, the Calgary Humane Society will reward them with a gift.

Shoults said it’s important to make sure the society is connecting with people in the community, and Paws Port is a great way to do this.

“It’s just a way of raising money but doing it in a positive, fun way,” she said, “and to get everyone in the community together.”

For more information about future Paws Port events, check out www.calgaryhumane.ca.