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METER PLAN ON HOLD Council reconsiders voluntary program
STRONGLY MISSION
80 kids take part in challenge
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FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PAGE 3
Diwali celebration on Oct. 29
2012
CCNA
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Thursday, October 24, 2013
SERVING MISSION SINCE 1908
One more lifeline for humane society Carol Aun MISSION RECORD
Celia Durst let out a sigh of relief Monday night as council approved a one-time $8,200 grant to help the Fraser Valley Humane Society (FVHS) keep its doors open for at least another month. Durst, FVHS executive director, appealed to council for emergency financial assistance last week, noting staff would be laid off and the society would have to close its doors if help didn’t come through. Operating costs averaged $8,287 in 2013. Presently, there is more than $5,200 in outstanding bills, and only $4,785 in the bank. “It’s a critical situation now,” said Coun. Jenny Stevens, who proposed the grant from the council contingency fund. The humane society fundraises all year and this will give them a chance to build up donations to get them through to the end of the year, she added. While council unanimously supported the grant, many were concerned about the way the FVHS is operating and recommended district staff meet with the society to see if they can help and report back to council on the long-term viability of the organization. “I know we’re in an emergency situation, but I’m having difficulty wrapping my head around
the cost for cats,” said Coun. Dave Hensman, who calculated with only 32 cats currently at the shelter, it’s costing more DURST than $250 a month per cat. Coun. Tony Luck also pointed out the executive director’s salary is 40 per cent of the FVHS budget. The average administrative cost for non-profit organizations is usually 15 to 20 per cent of the budget, said Luck, who suggested looking at other agencies to handle animal control in Mission. “I think the spending is out of control. It’s almost irresponsible.” “If a group can’t meet budget, we can’t keep bailing them out,” said Coun. Jeff Jewell. “We have budgetary responsibilities. I will support this because I love cats and dogs, but this isn’t the way to run an organization.” In addition to running Mission’s only cat shelter, Stevens explained the FVHS supports a fostering program and assists people in keeping their pets. Earlier in the evening, The Council Animal Advocacy founder George Evens addressed council as a delegation about the
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Celebrating 40 years Nelson Leon for the Chehalis First Nation performs a paddle song to welcome guests to Mission Friendship Centre’s 40th anniversary celebrations last Friday. JOHN MORROW CREDIT
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