The move is finally on!
This past weekend represented a momentous and very busy time for staff and volunteers at the Humboldt and District SPCA as the organization transported all its equipment, shelters and, of course, animals to its new location.
The good news was that the journey for the move wasn’t far. A quick turn south off Highway 5 at Hergott Farm Equipment and south toward the wastewater project just a half kilometre or so it the new location.
Joanne Koski with the SPCA Board agreed that the move has been a long time coming, but it will definitely be worth it in the end.
“We are ready to go,” Koski confirmed on Friday when the first wave of the move took place. “The move should be smooth – there are kennels there for all the cats and for the dogs. We will have more space, which will be nice for the animals. There’s space for the animals to be out running.”
The cats will have their own “catio” outside their shelters as the work progresses, said Koski. As the main move got underway, staff and volunteers continued to work at preparing other buildings as a boarding facility. Work also continues with the City of Humboldt on introducing Humboldt’s first dog park.
Along with the excitement of the move, there is also the continued fundraising that the SPCA and its volunteers must undertake to meet its operating needs, upcoming capital projects and financial commitments for the new location.
“We had to take out a mortgage in order to move into the facility,” Koski explained. “For us to keep on with our plans and to go into the boarding, we are still looking for funding. So, any way we can stay above board through donations or fundraisers is essential for us at this point.”
Special thanks go out to the staff of MNP who joined the moving effort on Friday afternoon and were a critical help in the venture. As well, hats off to the staff of HSA who lent their skills during the renovation portion of the project and to RBC for their help with the painting. That's in addition to the many individuals who volunteered their time and skills with various needs.
The next phase of the move comes this weekend, weather permitting, to move the outdoor kennels. Once again, help from individuals or community businesses is greatly appreciated. Contact any member of the SPCA board or staff to volunteer.
To make donations or get involved with fundraisers, you can connect through their webpage, the Humboldt and District SPCA Facebook page, or by contacting any board member.