It’s a fundraiser with a bark and a laugh.
The Cowichan District SPCA is hosting a comedy night to raise money for its shelter.
Comedians Sean Jonas and Beverly O’Neil have the necessary qualifications to make audiences chuckle and donate to the SPCA.
“If anyone knows me, they know I like to make people laugh ... so if I can make people laugh and if they donate to the SPCA while I make them laugh, then all the better,” said Jonas, who is an insurance broker when he is not on stage.
Currently, the SPCA operates on a low budget, and more money is needed for vet bills, food and housing.
Jonas hopes to raise $500 with his comedy.
“The thing about the SPCA is what we are expected to do with the money that they have — it’s unbelievable,” he said. “There is a small budget for vets every month that is well exhausted. We do everything we can to raise money to support the shelter, and it’s never enough.”
Jonas, who sits on the board of the Cowichan District SPCA, says that events like these are important so that the organization can continue to be a voice for animals.
“I’ve seen people doing stupid things with animals ... if we treat our animals with respect, then I think we will treat each other a lot better.”
Jonas has been doing amateur comedy since he was in his early twenties. He has titled his skit for the event Things I Wish I Was But I’m Not.
“Because I’m not a dog and I want to be. It’s so easy — you can pee anywhere, you can pee inside ... and someone else will clean it up,” he joked. “The show … explores everything from being a woman, because I’m not, to everything else ... I’m going to make people think.”
The SPCA fundraiser will be held this Saturday (Oct. 20) at the Printingdun Beanery at 341 First Ave. in Ladysmith.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Advance tickets are available at the Printingdun Beanery and at PJ Financial Services at 104A 262 First Ave.