WEYBURN — A fundraiser is underway to create a lasting tribute to Tanya Myers – the 44-year-old Weyburn woman whose life was defined by her deep love of cats – by naming a dedicated cat room at the Weyburn Humane Society in her honour.
The fundraiser was organized by Jaime Wawro on behalf of the Weyburn Humane Society. Wawro was in the first vehicle struck by gunfire that night. Her tire was hit by a bullet just before the vehicle Myers was riding in was struck, resulting in Myers’ death.
“I didn’t know Tanya before that day, but in the weeks that followed, I got to know a little about her through her family,” wrote Wawro on the GoFundMe page. “As I drove past the terminals recently, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. I realized I wanted to do something to help Tanya be remembered for how she lived — not for how she died.”
The campaign aims to raise $30,000 to sponsor and name the Cat Room after Myers. The permanent space would give cats in need a place to heal and find new homes. If the full amount isn’t reached, funds would go toward naming the Cat Storage Room in her memory instead.
“Tanya was close to her family, and my heart breaks for them as they shared their memories of her,” said Wawro. “She was also a true cat lover — like no one I’ve ever met. She had nine cats of her own, all still cared for by her mother. Her love of cats started early and she was taming barn cats before she even started kindergarten. Cats were a huge part of who she was.”
Every dollar raised will go directly to the Weyburn Humane Society as a donation in Myers' name. This gift will help support the society’s work caring for homeless and vulnerable animals.
The Weyburn Humane Society is building a new shelter at 1810 East Avenue. It will include indoor dog kennels, a dog wash area, cat rooms with a playroom, storage, laundry, two washrooms, administration, a meeting room and a garage. There will also be a space for outdoor cat runs.
Donations can be made at the Weyburn Credit Union to the trust account “In Memory of Tanya Myers”. In-person donations or e-transfers are accepted to 306-861-9961, which auto deposits into the trust account. Tax receipts are available for donations over $25.
As of the latest update, $350 has been raised toward a $6,500 goal.
Myers was fatally shot on Sept. 12, 2025, while riding as a passenger in a friend’s SUV on Highway 39 near Weyburn. A bullet entered the vehicle and struck her. She died in an ambulance a short distance from the city. The incident, which also involved gunfire striking a second vehicle, deeply affected the close-knit community of about 11,000 people.
Mayor Jeff Richards previously described the shooting as a “very unnerving experience” that has impacted many residents.
“This is a very tight-knit city, so it is impacting a lot of people,” he said.
Chris Fahlman has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Myers’ death. He was initially charged with manslaughter but the charge was later upgraded. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for October in Weyburn Circuit Court. The Saskatchewan Court of Appeal recently dismissed his appeal of a bail denial. A publication ban prohibits disclosure of the reasons for the denial.
Wawro and supporters say the fundraiser is about celebrating Myers’ life and the joy she found in caring for cats.
Those wishing to contribute to the GoFundMe, or learn more about the Weyburn Humane Society, can contact the society or visit their website.
ljoy@sasktoday.ca
