The John Mueller Memorial Radiothon took over Market Square today with puppies, cats and even a parrot.

The radiothon looks to raise money each year for the Swift Current SPCA to help fund all they do for animals in need of a home.

This year was a big success, having brought in around $26,500 when it closed up at 4 p.m.

SPCA Members by their totalMembers pose by the total raised by the radiothon. (photo by David Zammit)



Part of the success is major contributors like Swift Current Building Supplies, the title sponsor of the event, who made a generous donation of $7,000.

Marissa Wolfe, owner and operator of Swift Current Building Supplies was on hand as a representative of the company and was proud they were keeping up with the tradition of sponsoring the event. You might say it's something of a family tradition.

"John Mueller was our grandfather," explained Wolfe. "He was a business owner in Swift Current for many years. He was a big community supporter and we just felt this was something that we could put forward for the community that meant a lot to him as well as us."

Mueller was originally from Medicine Hat but moved to Swift Current in 1970 when he and his wife Norma bought Swift Current Building Supplies. He quickly became a familiar face in town, whether it be in his store, or out and about in the community.

"A lot of people knew my grandfather and I hear so many wonderful stories about him," said Wolfe. "It's just something that we can give back to remember him and carry on his legacy."

SPCA SupportersMellisa and Marissa from Swift Current Building Supplies with their donation. (photo by David Zammit)



Mueller sadly passed away in 2011. But his kinda hearted legacy lives on through the efforts of his family, especially in the annual radiothon named after him.

Considering the last couple of years have been difficult for most everyone, it was especially impressive to see how many folks stepped in with donations.

Melanie Weinbender, President of the Swift Current SPCA, was amazed by people's generosity.

"[The Swift Current] community is always so supportive of us and we do appreciate people calling in, coming by the booth and sending their transfers," said Weinbender. "We tally it all up and it's just wonderful. We live in a wonderful community."

Everyone who contributed to the radiothon this year helped make a difference for the animals at the SPCA. This keeps the lights on, the bowls full, and the building maintained for the coming year.

"[The donations] will definitely help out a lot," confirmed Weinbender. "All of our money stays within the shelter. It goes to the animal's care and every penny that people donate stays with us."

A child enamored with a bird.A young child enamored by a cat. (photo by David Zammit.)


Some of the other major players in this year's total were giants like Melhoff Electric Ltd., National Trailer Parts, AGI/Batco and Redhead Equipment, who all made $1,000 donations.

If you would like to donate to the SPCA, it's always welcome. They are happy to talk to you in person at the shelter, or you can use their website to find out more. Alternatively, if you want to help make a difference in the animals' lives by adopting, they of course encourage you to come down during the week to come and meet their tenants.