A fundraiser that started as a way to keep active and boost morale during pandemic lockdown days has reported its best year ever.
Harold Zelt on Feb. 2 delivered $1,900 to BC SPCA officials – proceeds from the sale of his 2024 Dogs of White Rock calendar.
The funds will benefit the non-profit’s education and adoption efforts in Surrey, and bring the total raised by the senior’s calendar project since its inception four years ago to $6,600.
Si Cussen, general manager of White Rock Seniors Village, where Zelt lives, said the results were a pleasant surprise, given a change implemented in how the photos for this year’s calendar were gathered.
In previous years, Zelt would snap photos while out and about in the community on his motorized scooter. This time, however, pup parents interested in having their four-legged family members included in the 2024 calendar were invited to attend one of two photo shoots held at the 1183 Maple St. retirement residence in July.
READ MORE: Dog days of summer celebrated with photo shoots at White Rock Seniors Village
Cussen suspects the interest from those whose pets were ultimately featured in the calendar boosted the fundraising total. They all “wanted many copies,” she said.
Zelt’s son, Mike, stepped up to handle the photography, and also captured the Feb. 2 cheque presentation to SPCA official Brenna Rocliffe. WRSV recreation manager Jen McDonald, meanwhile, put the calendar together.
Mike Zelt said Thursday (Feb. 8) that his dad, who will turn 97 on Feb. 15, has always taken great pleasure in getting and sharing the photos, and in supporting the SPCA.
“It’s a shame that as he ages he is not able to get out on his scooter any more,” he said.
Cussen said plans for a fifth calendar are already in place, with two days set aside in July for anyone wanting to bring their dogs by for a photo.
She suggested pet owners mark their calendars for either July 21 or 28, and plan to visit the residence between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.