After six years of work, the North East SPCA’s efforts to build an animal shelter are starting to bear fruit.
At its annual general meeting at Nipawin’s Northern Greens Resort March 2, the NESPCA said they were pleased with 2016.
“[It was] great, because we had that really big donation from the Kerry Vickar Foundation,” said Pat Sheils, a board member. They have given a total of $250,000 for the naming rights to the facility.
“It was a very good year because now we know this year we’re going to be starting to build,” said Jessie Harper, the NESPCA’s vice-chair.
Over 2016, the organization raised almost $134,800, compared to around $60,300 in 2015. Of that, around $25,500 came from fundraisers and almost $123,300 came from donations and grants.
The new shelter is budgeted at $750,000. The NESPCA had around $378,800 in its savings account at the end of 2016, while the City of Melfort will guarantee a $500,000 loan.
Victor Kernaleguen, the chair of the building committee, said he expects construction to begin in spring.
“We have a finalized building drawing and basically we’re just sending it out to contractors, suppliers, anyone involved in building a building,” adding he’s looking to speak to contractors and tradespeople willing to help. “We’re looking for people who want to be involved all across the Northeast.”
The NESPCA also voted to change their bylaws that required board members to take a mandatory one-year break if they had served for six years. Sheils said they’re hoping that change will be temporary, but at this point, if it wasn’t removed, all but a few members would have to resign.
“We wouldn’t have a board,” Kernaleguen said.
The NESPCA is also looking for people to donate to the shelter and for volunteers. Those wishing to contribute can contact them preferably by email at northeastspca@sasktel.net or at 306-752-SPCA.
For 2017, the NESPCA’s focus will mainly be on fundraising.
“There’s always the behind the scenes,” Sheils said. “There’s a lot of policies and procedures and things that we’re going to have to have ready when the building is built. There’s things that you’re always doing.”
