The future of the Mae Bachur Shelter – now closed to the public – is a subject of worry, the Humane Society Yukon said today.

Despite the COVID-19 crisis, the society’s board has kept the Tlingit Street shelter open to receive and care for animals.

Revenue entering the 22-year-old facility has decreased dramatically due to social distancing restrictions, the society said.

Regular fundraising events are heavily relied on to offset monthly operating costs.

Weekly bingo games brought in about $5,000 a month, and the recent Trivia Nights about $600, and an annual raffle about $35,000.

“All are impossible in their current format,” the society said.

Other pending fundraisers had to be postponed for the forseeable future.

“We are very worried about the viability of the shelter,” said treasurer Cory Adams.

“We have had to deal with the loss of our major sources of revenue: our bingos and the delay of our raffle. The future of the shelter is uncertain right now.”

When the society reached out to the community for help during the past winter, said president Deborah Howe, “their astonishing generosity allowed us to keep the shelter doors open.

“Now due to this unprecedented situation and the uncertainty regarding the length of time needed to keep current restrictions in place to ensure the safety of us all, the new board must ask members and the public in general to ask for help.”

There are several options available to support the shelter financially through its new website: www.humanesocietyyukon.org:

• setting up monthly or one time donations using Canada Helps;

• donating to their new GoFundMe campaign (and sharing it as widely as possible); and

• purchasing flowers and seeds through their new Vesey fundraising campaign.

Alternately, donations by cheque made out to “Humane Society Yukon” can be dropped off at the shelter dropbox or mailed to: HSY, 126 Tlingit St., Whitehorse, YT Y1A 6J2.

The society is also looking for volunteers to help set up an online/ in-person raffle, as well as to work out processes for media bingo.

Efforts to hire a new, qualified executive director have also affected by the current crisis restrictions. In the interim, the board is co-ordinating all aspects of fundraising while keeping the shelter open and staffed.

If you are willing and able to help, you’re asked to contact the society by email or telephone.

Though it can’t admit visitors, the shelter continues to process adoption and fostering by phone and online, and the Star continues to publish the popular Pet of the Week feature every Friday.

Appointments can be made to safely connect animals with potential homes.

“The board thanks everyone for their support and extends best wishes for good health and safety to all,” it said.

“May we see a return to a hopeful future soon.”