Hundreds of people filled the Wylie-Mitchell building on April 23 for the Estevan Wildlife Federation’s (EWF) 32nd annual fundraising dinner and auction, which is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.
The biggest part of the evening was the live auction, which featured more than 40 items. The top-selling item was an expedition in South Africa through Numzaan Safaris. It sold for $3,000.
More than $6,000 was raised through the sale of firearms during the live auction. A ping pong ball auction generated $3,075, as supporters bid on an opportunity to win one of five guns. Fifteen ping pong balls were auctioned off, and the balls were drawn until only one ball was remaining. The owner of that ball was then allowed to select the firearm of their choice.
The remaining guns were then auctioned off, and they drew more than $3,000.
There was also a silent auction and numerous raffles during the evening.
Proceeds from the event will be directed towards a number of projects. The EWF’s habitat trust fund secured 140 acres of wildlife habitat in the Estevan area, as of April 1. The EWF spearheaded the purchase with the financial assistance of the Fish and Wildlife Development Fund, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Habitat Trust Fund and several wildlife federation regional branches.
The land is located southeast of the Rafferty Dam. It consists of native uplands, riparian areas, grasslands and wetlands.
Funds raised during the evening will also be used to complete a new pistol range at the EWF’s grounds at Boundary Dam, fund a wild turkey translocation project in southeast Saskatchewan, host a youth conservation camp at Boundary Dam in the summer, and provide a scholarship at the Estevan Comprehensive School.
The EWF also offers firearm safety classes annually; maintains a clubhouse and grounds, which are available for rent; and maintains a trap range and rifle range, which are available for members.
They purchase and release pheasants, offer a bird-feeding program during the winter months, host the annual Opening Day Walleye Classic at Boundary Dam in early May, and organize an annual awards banquet.
And they donate to the Rafferty Marina tractor fund; the Ministry of Environment’s education trailer; the Saskatchewan Association of Conservation Officers’ convention; the Great Plains Fisheries Association; and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation youth facility at Candle Lake.
