Steve Featherstone, organizer of the annual Steel City Safari holds a 12-foot long, 80-pound Burmese python. This year’s fundraiser is Nov. 15 at Mohawk College.

The recession has taken a toll on Steve Featherstone’s annual fundraiser. Normally by this point he would have more than 1,000 items donated for raffles at his Steel City Safari. Earlier this week, he only had about 400.

It’s disappointing, but at the end of the day, no matter how many items he gets, he’ll still be making a donation to the CHML Children's Fund, and that's the important part, he says.

“Even if we only raise $1,000, it’s $1,000 more than they had before,” says Mr. Featherstone.

The Steel City Safari raised $55,000 for the children’s charity in its first four years. The Children’s Fund is close to Mr. Featherstone’s heart, having been a beneficiary of the charity when he was young.

This year’s Steel City Safari is moving to Mohawk College’s Fennell Campus. It will be held Nov. 15 from 11 a. m. until 5 p. m.

The annual event features upwards of 30 educational booths and displays set up by Mr. Featherstone’s The Reptile Store, local zoos and other animal-related organizations.

“Almost like a big trade show, but no one's selling anything,” says Mr. Featherstone.

There’s also a portrait studio for families to have their photo taken with a variety of animals. In the past there have been tigers, camels and other exotic species.

Tickets are $10 each and available by calling 905-521-9990 or see steelcitysafari.com .