It's a year that has seen much change and a measure of fortune for the Humboldt and District SPCA. With that change has come hard work and the need for even more support in the coming months. The SPCA board and membership took stock of those events at Friday night's annual general meeting held at the Bella Vista.
Of course, one of the main focuses for the evening was the ongoing development of the new site located just south of the current one. The AGM annual report outlined the good fortune that led to securing the land and buildings formerly owned by horseman Jim Sawatsky. The deteriorating condition of their current leased building, and attendant problems with leaking, kennel size, and air quality underscored the need for a move.
The challenge faced by the organization was making mortgage payments on a new property while honoring the lease agreement for the current one. While the new property has suitable buildings, they needed renovation and retrofitting to make them suitable for the animals according to Animal Protection Services' stringent standards.
The mortgage of the new property at $265,000 over 25 years comes with a monthly payment of approximately $2200. That means that the clear choice for renovations was through volunteer commitments. In some cases, the need for specialized skills in carpentry and framing has held back people from volunteering.
However, when it comes to general cleaning and labour, the response has been better. In fact, one local business, HSA, had its entire staff commit to a day's worth of service helping on site. Watch for more details in an upcoming article.
The report outlined that there are some unrestricted funds in the account, but the board indicated that they would likely be burned up in renovation costs and maintaining the dual space obligation. The bottom line is that the organization continues to need community support both in terms of fundraising and volunteering at the new site.
A critical lynch point is getting heat set up in the building to allow painting to proceed. That hurdle should be cleared in a matter of days, so watch for the call to go out for volunteers to assist in painting.
Fundraising continues with the major online auction going live beginning Tuesday Nov. 19 and continuing through November. A wide variety of donated items and services are available on the Facebook page. Fundraising chair Shannon Worobec says it's as easy as a few clicks to make the bid and help the cause. Other fundraising efforts have included pizza kits, car bingos, 50/50 sales at Battle of the Bulls and the Broncos Memorial Golf Tournament, along with a pair of well attended summer barbecues.
The board retained many of its member and officers which includes Janice Weber as president, Sue Sookeroff as vice-president, Lori Branton as treasurer, Karen Branton as secretary, Shannon Worobec as fundraising chair, and Joanne Koski as public relations chair.