A Halloween party doubled as a fundraiser for the Alberta Animal Rescue Society (AARCS) this past October. 

With the growing number of animals without a home in the city, AARCS says it’s challenging to find shelter for every animal in need.

Video: Calgary Journal reporter Ralph Saulog reports on AARCS’s fundraiser

Guests celebrate Halloween at Wyckham House on Oct. 25, 2025, while raising funds for AARCS, which says demand for animal rescue and sheltering continues to rise. VIDEO: RALPH SAULOG

Preventative action

Tanya Kaynes, owner of Menagerie Parties and Cakes and the fundraiser’s organizer, says this event began three years ago and continues today because of her love for the organization. 

“It’s very close to my heart. My cat is from AARCS. He had a very rough start as a kitten. AARCS went in, saved him, my neighbour was fostering him, and I was like ‘Well, he’s mine’,” said Kaynes.  

Volunteers can enjoy amenities like the photobooth and participate in the live auction or buy baked goods at Wyckham House on Oct. 25, 2025; all proceeds go to the organization. PHOTO: RALPH SAULOG

Jeremy Oviatt, community engagement officer for AARCS, explains the importance of spaying and neutering pets as an efficient way to reduce unplanned pregnancies and stray animals in the city. 

“Spaying and neutering are an absolute must for anybody with pets. It helps control the population, it helps keep animals out of organizations like AARCS,” said Oviatt.  

AARCS hosts another fundraising event, Paint Paws, on Nov. 21, 2025, and their annual holiday market on Dec. 5-6, 2025.  

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Ralph Saulog is a fourth-year journalism student. Aside from writing for the Calgary Journal, he enjoys trying out new restaurants and being physically active.