The purr-fect night for bowling

Christmas music blared from the overhead speakers at the Kingswood Entertainment Centre as bowlers shouted cheers of encouragement to their teammates.

While everyone had fun bowling and laughing with their friends, the night had one purpose: to raise money for the Fredericton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Around 95 animal-lovers attended the third-annual Furball bowl-a-thon on Nov. 22. Each donated at least $50 to join the fun.

Annette James, the director of operations for the Fredericton SPCA, has attended every fundraiser for the shelter. She and her team raised $250. For her, the Furball is a way to help animals who can’t help themselves.

It’s also a fun way to spend the night.

“Staff and friends and volunteers get to enjoy an evening together that’s a little else formal than at the adoption centre,” James said.

While the 14 teams competed in a bowling tournament, the SPCA also played a game with players.

The SPCA went around to each team with a cootie catcher containing special moves each player had to do. If the player completed these moves, like bowling in slow motion or walking like Fred Flintstone, they’d receive a Tim Horton’s gift card.

The shelter also sold toques for “Raise the Woof” to help repair the roof. There was also a silent auction where guests could bid on Dairy Queen gift cards and Beats headphones.

Matt Stairs, a former major league baseball player, hosted the Furball.

Stairs also holds golf fundraisers in the summer and said the SPCA is close to his heart. He has four dogs and 14 cats, nine of which came from the shelter.

He expected the Furball to raise between five thousand and six thousand dollars. While it’s a drop off from the $100 thousand the golf tournament makes, Stairs is pleased with the outcome.

“We’re very happy with whatever we make,” Stairs said.

“As long as it rescues or saves one animal, we’re happy.”