The 10 Annual Swift Current SPCA Annual John Mueller Memorial Radiothon, which took place on Saturday in downtown Swift Current, has shattered previous records. 

In just six hours, the event raised an astonishing $37,753, marking a significant milestone for the organization and demonstrating the generosity of the community. 

Joanne Schatkoski, the Development Manager of the Swift Current SPCA, shared her excitement about the event's outcome.  

“The radiothon went amazing,” she stated. “I can't believe how supportive everybody in the town was and we broke a record.” 

Swift Current Building Supplies, the title sponsor of the event, played a pivotal role by donating $6,000 and adding a personal touch with a $1,000 personal donation.  

Jamal Contracting joined the effort with a match hour challenge, pledging to match donations up to $4,000.  

However, the community's response exceeded all expectations, resulting in a stunning $8,000 raised during the match hour from the community alone.  

“They did the match hour for $4,000 and we ended up shattering the match with $8,000 raised, so $12,000 in one hour,” Schatkoski explained. 

Owner/Operator at Swift Current Building Supplies, Marissa Wolfe, elaborated on why they choose to sponsor the event each year. 

“John Mueller was my grandfather,” she stated. “He was a pillar in our community, he had a business and he helped other people build our community. He was a lover of animals, he just loved the SPCA, he loved horses, he loved dogs, and it's just something that we can continue on in his name, to help him with that dream of helping all animals.” 

The success of the radiothon holds immense significance for the Swift Current SPCA, which operates as a nonprofit organization and relies heavily on community support. 

"It means the world to us,” Schatkoski expressed. “That's what we do, we raise money to support the animals. We have no government funding. We have no funding from anywhere except for our community." 

Last year, the radiothon raised $26,493 for the non-profit. The last time a record was broken was two years ago when $36,000 was raised for the shelter. 

“In this economy, it's unbelievable,”Schatokoski stated. “The people of Swift Current and the Southwest have supported the shelter a lot. It wasn't for them, we wouldn't be open, with money being so tight and times being tough, and people still find it in their hearts to give to us. 

100 percent of the proceeds go directly towards the Swift Current SPCA. 

 

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