A cat at the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society. Tracy Wilson | Collegian

Gift cards, cash, and guns are all prizes in a Christmas raffle sponsored by the Greater Hillsdale Humane Society in its fifth annual 12 Days of Christmas, Plus 6 Raffle Dec. 6-23.

“This is one of our biggest fundraisers,” Shelter Director Joni Baker said. “Some people don‘t know that we are an independent nonprofit shelter, and the only income we have is from donations, surrender fees, and adoption fees.”

Profits from the raffle will go to provide care for the homeless dogs and cats of Hillsdale County.

The winning ticket number will be the same as the numbers for the Michigan Evening Daily 3 Lottery.

Other prizes include gift cards to the Udder Side restaurant in Jonesville and a Blackstone grill.

Baker said it costs approximately $300,000 per year to run the shelter.

“The Humane Society and shelter medicine as a whole has taught me to appreciate the resilience of animals,” senior and Humane Society Student Contact Tiare Nicholas-Bublick said. “It is an incredible opportunity to run the goal program and coordinate events involving the students and the shelters.”

According to Baker, the shelter, located off Hudson Road south of Hillsdale, can house 20 dogs and 60 cats at full capacity. 

“We have a wonderful crew out here that does an amazing job with the animals,” Baker said. “We take volunteers. You can come help clean, or if you just want to come walk a dog or hang out with the cats we need that, too. The more people the animals meet, the more socialized and adoptable they get. And we appreciate the help!”

In addition to the raffle, the Humane Society will be hosting a Pause with Paws event on Dec. 11, Hillsdale College’s Reading Day, where students will be able to meet, walk, and socialize with the shelter pets.

“Our goal is to help as many animals as we possibly can and bring awareness to ‘adopt, don‘t shop,’” Baker said.

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